Latest news with #Quintet5
Al Etihad
29-07-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
New team grappling event Quintet comes to UAE
30 July 2025 00:38 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)A bold new chapter in combat sports is unfolding in the Middle East with the announcement that the pioneering Japanese martial arts promotion Quintet will be making its regional debut in event, titled Quintet 5, is scheduled to take place on October 23, marking the first time this unique team-based grappling format will be showcased in the Gulf, and outside of Japan and United States in its short announcement was made during a news conference at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, held as part of the UAE's Showdown Week – a premier sporting initiative that regularly draws top-tier mixed martial arts (MMA) talent and organisations from around the on the occasion were Kazushi Sakuraba, the Quintet founder and one of MMA pioneers from Japan, and Tarek Suleiman, a seasoned martial artist who will be spearheading the brand's expansion across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) as regional a veteran of Pride Fighting Championships and widely considered one of the most influential grapplers in MMA history, spoke passionately about the decision to bring his promotion to the UAE. 'For Japanese martial artists, Abu Dhabi is a name we've always held in high regard,' he said.'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.'Quintet is distinct from traditional MMA or Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) competitions. First launched in 2018, the promotion is known for its 'winner-stays-on' format, in which five-member teams compete in elimination-style grappling individual bout ends either in a submission or a draw – there are no judges and no points system. If a competitor wins by submission, they remain on the mat to face the next opponent from the opposing team. If the match ends in a draw, both competitors are eliminated. The format encourages tactical team decisions, creative grappling, and cohesive strategy – all while staying rooted in the respect-driven philosophy of martial arts.'This isn't just a one-off. We're here to build something lasting,' said Suleiman, who himself has competed under the Quintet rule set. '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 prioritises cooperation, strategy, and team pride.'The event also drew the attention of major international MMA figures, including Ali Al Qaisi, widely regarded as the Arab world's top featherweight, and Marc Goddard, one of the sport's most respected referees. Their presence underscored the increasing convergence between mainstream MMA and submission-only grappling formats.A busy two weeks of MMA in the UAE has seen the IMMAF Youth World Championships, a dual UAE Warriors card, the UFC Fight Night being held while the World Grappling Championship is upcoming in Al Ain from August 5 will feature teams from across the Middle East and North Africa, with organisers confirming that both regional standouts and international athletes will participate. According to Suleiman, the Dubai event is part of a wider strategy aimed at developing a sustainable league system and athlete pipeline tailored to the region's unique combat sports culture. This initiative aligns with broader ambitions by UAE sporting authorities to nurture homegrown talent and elevate martial arts as a pillar of national fitness, discipline, and international recognition. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Gulf Today
29-07-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Quintet set to make Middle East debut with team-based grappling event in Dubai
Japanese martial arts promotion Quintet has announced its official entry into the Middle East market, with its inaugural regional event, Quintet 5, is set to take place in Dubai on October 23, 2025. 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.
