Nine elite wrestlers from Japan, Mongolia, and Egypt will contest 36 bouts at Space42 Arena on September 26
ABU DHABI — September 2, 2026 : Abu Dhabi will stage the United Arab Emirates’ first international professional sumo tournament on September 26, gathering top-tier heavyweight wrestlers from across the globe at the Space42 Arena.
Organized in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the All-Star Sumo Competition introduces Japan’s centuries-old martial art to the Gulf’s flagship combat sports destination.
A roster of nine elite rikishi representing Japan, Mongolia, and Egypt will compete across 36 individual bouts. The lineup features combatants holding world championship crowns, decades of top-flight experience, and Emperor’s Cup distinctions—the pinnacle achievement in Japanese professional sumo.
Japan’s Ichi, a former Emperor’s Cup winner, headlines the tournament roster alongside fellow Japanese wrestler Hiroki, recognized as one of the heaviest active competitors in the sport.
The entry list also captures the internationalization of sumo wrestling outside Japan. Mongolia will be represented by Mendee, a decorated junior World Sumo Champion and International Sumo Champion. Egypt’s Ramy El-Gazar, a multiple-time world medallist and heavyweight contender, joins the card to provide strong regional representation for Middle Eastern combat sports followers.
Organizers confirmed the event will mirror traditional Japanese tournament staging beyond the physical contests inside the clay ring (dohyo). Spectators will witness the formal dohyo-iri ring-entering ceremony, complete with the classical salt-purification rites, foot-stomping rituals (shiko), and historical ceremonial dress that define the sport.
Mohamad Yehya, General Manager of Space42 Arena, described the tournament as a historic addition to the capital’s growing portfolio of global sporting fixtures. The showcase provides regional spectators an unprecedented opportunity to engage directly with the cultural protocols and athleticism of sumo.
The one-day tournament reflects Abu Dhabi’s ongoing strategy to diversify its live entertainment and international sporting footprint, complementing established mixed martial arts, boxing, and grappling promotions regularly held in the emirate.
