The world of team-based grappling is set to enter new territory as the renowned Japanese martial arts promotion Quintet prepares for its Middle East debut. In a press conference held during Fight Week in Abu Dhabi, regional promoter Tarek Suleiman unveiled the organization’s plans to bring this dynamic format to Dubai — a city now recognized as a global hub for combat sports.
Standing beside the legendary Kazushi Sakuraba, the visionary founder of Quintet, Suleiman shared a personal moment reflecting on how far things have come.
“Years ago, I had the honor to compete and fight under Sakuraba’s vision at Quintet 2 in Tokyo, Japan,”
he said with evident emotion.
“Today, I stand beside him, helping bring that vision to our region — a country that has already done so much for athletes like me.”
The announcement marks a pivotal moment in regional martial arts history. Quintet 5 is officially scheduled for October 23rd at Dubai’s prestigious Coca-Cola Arena, marking the promotion’s first-ever event in the Middle East.
Suleiman — a decorated jiu-jitsu black belt and former champion — highlighted the cultural importance of the expansion:
“The UAE made martial arts part of our culture, and that’s why athletes from all over the world come here looking for opportunity,”
he explained.
“And that’s what we’re bringing here today.”
But the vision doesn’t stop with a single event. According to Suleiman, Quintet MENA aims to build a lasting foundation in the region.
“We are building something that lasts — activating local and regional teams, hosting events across the UAE and the Middle East, and putting regional MMA stars on the map.”
This move comes as the Middle East continues to rise as a major destination for elite combat sports. With the UAE leading the charge in attracting top-tier athletes and world-class events, the timing for a unique format like Quintet — a team-based, winner-stays-on submission grappling competition — couldn’t be more fitting.
Quintet 5 will feature teams from across the Middle East and North Africa, giving homegrown talent the chance to showcase their skills on a truly international stage. With the support of seasoned promoters and the proven success of the Quintet system abroad, Dubai’s debut is set to open an exciting new chapter in the region’s martial arts evolution.
As the grappling world watches closely, the Middle East prepares to embrace a format unlike any other — one rooted in cooperation, strategy, and the timeless appeal of high-level submission grappling.
