Quintet set to make Middle East debut with team-based grappling event in Dubai
The announcement came during a press conference held at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, as part of Fight Week — a major sporting initiative featuring international MMA events hosted in the UAE capital. The event was led by Kazushi Sakuraba, Quintet's legendary founder and one of the most iconic figures in Japanese MMA history, alongside Tarek Suleiman, Quintet's regional partner and veteran martial artist. Yanagisawa, General Manager of Quintet Japan, also attended the announcement.
The event drew wide regional and international media coverage and was attended by prominent figures from the MMA community, including Ali Al Qaisi, one of the Arab world's most accomplished featherweights, and internationally renowned referee Marc Goddard.
Known for its distinctive five-on-five team grappling format, Quintet eliminates points and judges entirely — matches end in submission or draw. The format blends tactical team strategy with traditional martial arts spirit and has already gained significant traction in Japan and the United States.
'For Japanese martial artists, Abu Dhabi is a name we've always held in high regard,' said Sakuraba, who was met with applause as he addressed the crowd. 'We watched from afar how the UAE embraced jiu-jitsu and elevated it into something bigger than just a sport — a cultural and national movement. To launch Quintet here is not only symbolic, but meaningful. The people understand the art. The government supports it. And the athletes here live it.'
Suleiman, a former Quintet competitor himself, emphasized the vision behind this move. 'This isn't just a one-off. We're here to build something lasting,' he said. 'The UAE has become a global destination for combat sports, and now it will be the home for team-based grappling in the region. Through Quintet, we aim to provide athletes with a new platform — one that prioritizes cooperation, strategy, and team pride.'
Quintet 5 in Dubai marks the start of a broader roadmap to establish a sustainable grappling ecosystem in the Middle East. Teams from across the MENA region are expected to participate in the October event, as organizers work toward building a long-term league and talent pipeline that aligns with the region's growing combat sports ambitions.
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