Abu Dhabi, UAE – Japanese martial arts promotion QUINTET has introduced its official entry into the Center East market, with its inaugural regional occasion, QUINTET 5, set to happen in Dubai on October 23, 2025.
The announcement got here throughout a press convention held earlier right this moment at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, as a part of Battle Week — a serious sporting initiative that includes worldwide MMA occasions hosted within the UAE capital. The occasion was led by Kazushi Sakuraba, QUINTET’s legendary founder and some of the iconic figures in Japanese MMA historical past, alongside Tarek Suleiman, QUINTET’s regional companion and veteran martial artist. Mr. Yanagisawa, Normal Supervisor of QUINTET Japan, additionally attended the announcement.
The occasion drew broad regional and worldwide media protection and was attended by outstanding figures from the MMA neighborhood, together with Ali Al Qaisi, one of many Arab world’s most achieved featherweights, and internationally famend referee Marc Goddard.
Identified for its distinctive five-on-five crew grappling format, QUINTET eliminates factors and judges totally — matches finish in submission or draw. The format blends tactical crew technique with conventional martial arts spirit and has already gained vital traction in Japan and the US.
“For Japanese martial artists, Abu Dhabi is a reputation we’ve all the time held in excessive regard,” stated Sakuraba, who was met with applause as he addressed the gang. “We watched from afar how the UAE embraced jiu-jitsu and elevated it into one thing larger than only a sport — a cultural and nationwide motion. To launch QUINTET right here just isn’t solely symbolic, however significant. The individuals perceive the artwork. The federal government helps it. And the athletes right here dwell it.”
Suleiman, a former QUINTET competitor himself, emphasised the imaginative and prescient behind this transfer. “This isn’t only a one-off. We’re right here to construct one thing lasting,” he stated. “The UAE has turn out to be a worldwide vacation spot for fight sports activities, and now it will likely be the house for team-based grappling within the area. By way of QUINTET, we purpose to offer athletes with a brand new platform — one which prioritizes cooperation, technique, and crew pleasure.”
The occasion in Dubai marks the beginning of a broader roadmap to ascertain a sustainable grappling ecosystem within the Center East. Groups from throughout the MENA area are anticipated to take part within the October occasion, as organizers work towards constructing a long-term league and expertise pipeline that aligns with the area’s rising fight sports activities ambitions.
