The All-Star Sumo competition arrives in Abu Dhabi on 26 September 2026, bringing the UAE its first international professional sumo event at Space42 Arena on Al Raha Street. Nine elite wrestlers from Japan, Mongolia and Egypt will contest 36 bouts in a one-night card organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) in collaboration with USA Sumo.
Who is competing in the All-Star Sumo Abu Dhabi lineup
The nine competing wrestlers bring a combined total of more than 67 years of professional sumo experience, according to the All-Star Sumo event organisers.
Headlining the field is Ichi of Japan, an Emperor’s Cup winner and holder of the Sekiwake rank, placing him in the top one per cent of professional sumo. The USA Sumo profile for Ichi lists his weight at approximately 230 kg and his height at 6’4″, with professional experience dating to 2010.
Compatriot Hiroki, described by the organisers as the heaviest sumo champion competing at the Abu Dhabi event at approximately 250 kg, completes the top Japanese pairing. Both Ichi and Hiroki have previously won All-Star Sumo contests.
Mongolia’s Mendee, a junior World Sumo Champion and International Sumo Champion, is among the field. Egypt’s Ramy El-Gazar, an internationally decorated champion, gives regional audiences a direct connection to the competition. Additional professional wrestlers from Japan and Mongolia complete the nine-man lineup.
The wrestler with the best record across the evening will be crowned the inaugural All-Star Sumo Champion in Abu Dhabi.
What spectators can expect at Space42 Arena
The programme extends beyond the bouts. A formal ring-entering procession and traditional pre-bout rituals will run alongside the competition, giving spectators access to the ceremonial elements that frame professional sumo: the dohyo entrance, preparation before each contest, and the formal respect that surrounds the clay ring.
Doors open at 6pm, with competition starting at 7pm. VIP Meet and Greet ticket holders receive post-event access to meet and photograph the athletes.
Tickets are listed on Platinumlist for Space42 Arena’s event listings.
Mohamad Yehya, General Manager of Space42 Arena, said bringing professional sumo to the UAE for the first time was ‘an exciting addition to Abu Dhabi’s sporting calendar and an opportunity to introduce audiences to a sport with a rich history and deeply rooted traditions.’
‘The event will give fans a unique opportunity to experience sumo up close and discover the traditions and atmosphere that make the sport so distinctive,’ Yehya added.
All-Star Sumo’s path from the US to Abu Dhabi
USA Sumo has been staging All-Star Sumo tournaments since 2014 at venues including Omnia Nightclub at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California, with previous editions in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The Abu Dhabi date marks the competition’s first staging outside the United States.
A press conference is scheduled for Thursday, 24 September at Space42 Arena ahead of competition night, with the exact time still to be confirmed.
