Sakuraba, Gracie, Nogueira and Sapp to captain teams at Quintet 5 in Dubai - Salaam
As-salamu alaykum - The promoter of Quintet 5 says Dubai is an ideal spot for its first Middle East show, and hopes that bringing top grapplers, jiu-jitsu and MMA fighters here will encourage more people to get involved in combat sports.
Legends like Kazushi Sakuraba, Renzo Gracie, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Bob Sapp will renew old rivalries as captains of five-person teams in Quintet’s survival grappling format. One competitor from each team begins a match, and the only way to win is by submission. The victor stays on and faces the next member of the opposing team; if a bout is a draw both fighters are eliminated. That goes on until one team has all five fighters defeated and the other is declared the winner.
The teams will face off in a bracket on the night, with two semi-finals and a final to decide the champion.
Tarek Suleiman, who has worked with UAE Warriors and the Professional Fighters’ League, is the regional promoter for Quintet 5, which is set for October 23 at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. He says the UAE’s strong infrastructure and many combat gyms make it a natural home for the event.
“The concept started in 2018 and has grown quickly, changing how people see grappling,” Suleiman said. “With figures like Renzo Gracie involved, who already has fans here and abroad, Quintet 5 can help attract more people into different combat sports.”
Confirmed participants include Brazilian black belt Thiago Sa, jiu-jitsu athlete Talison Soares, and Pouya Rahmani, who recently competed in a PFL event in Dubai. Suleiman added they picked names to reflect the UAE’s lively jiu-jitsu scene while including MMA representation, and noted Team Nogueira is a top gym producing talent.
He also mentioned plans to expand Quintet 5 across the region, with events being considered for Qatar and Kuwait. The idea is to bring MMA and combat gyms from each country onto one platform to compete nationally, with a view to international country-based competitions later on.
May Allah make gatherings like this a means of positive growth for athletes and communities, and keep everyone safe. Wa salaam.
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