On May 16, the top sumo league outside Japan, World Elite Sumo, returns with a one-night, 12-man single elimination tournament inside New Jersey’s Prudential Center. The same venue as this Saturday’s UFC 328 card.
These are very different times in combat sports because fans now have a boatload of choices. However, it also means more options for fight athletes beyond just boxing and mixed martial arts. Power Slap, Real American Freestyle, and UFC BJJ are just a few of the combat brands that offer new pathways to fame and fortune for athletes. You can also add WES to the list.
The company, founded in 2025 by sumo star Abdelrahman “Sandstorm” Shalan, is looking to bring the close to the 2,000-year-old sport and martial art to the American masses in a way never before seen. And as it grows, it will could lure some intriguing talent looking to chart a path in a new sport.
With that in mind, we look at six sports stars we would love to see compete in World Elite Sumo.
Sandstorm, whose real name is Abdelrahman Shalan (known in professional sumo as Ōsunaarashi Kintarō), is a pioneer in the world of professional sumo.
A native of Egypt, he made history as the first professional sumo wrestler from the African continent and the Middle East to compete in Japan’s top divisions. Standing 6’3” and weighing around 340 lbs, he was celebrated for his explosive tsuki/oshi (thrusting and pushing) style and incredible upper-body strength. After retiring from the Japanese professional circuit, he relocated to New Jersey and is now the CEO and founder of World Elite Sumo (WES), where he works to bring high-level, tournament-style sumo to a global audience.
Next Event: WES Pro Sumo • New Era
Sandstorm is not only the promoter but is also slated to compete in the upcoming tournament.
• Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
• Location: Newark, NJ — Prudential Center
• Time: Doors open at 6:00 PM | Event starts at 7:00 PM
The talking is done. Tomorrow, we collide. 💥
Catch the full recap of today’s World Elite Sumo: New Era press conference. The fighters hit the stage, answered the media, and locked eyes with their opponents one last time before tomorrow’s massive showdown at the Prudential Center.
The energy in the building was electric—tomorrow is going to be pure chaos.
👉 Drop your predictions in the comments below! Who leaves the dohyo victorious?
🔗 Click the link in our bio for final tickets and streaming info.
#WorldEliteSumo #PressConference #Sumo #PrudentialCenter #NewEra FightWeek
The best of the best Sumo wrestlers are taking over the @prucenter tomorrow for the @worldelitesumo tournament and this morning, Ben got a chance to see how he would do in a fight😂😂😂
The New Jersey community is in for a treat this weekend
SUMO HITS NEW JERSEY: WES 1 PRO SUMO
Witness the birth of a new era in combat sports. This Saturday, May 16, World Elite Sumo (WES) takes over Prudential Center for a high-octane, single-elimination tournament that brings the raw power of professional sumo to the West.
THE ACTION
• 12 Elite Athletes: Top-tier international heavyweights colliding in a ruthless, one-night tournament.
• Total Dominance: No excuses, no second chances—just pure, explosive power.
• Global Debut: Be there for the first independent professional sumo league launch in centuries.
THE EVENT
• Where: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
• When: Saturday, May 16, 2026
• Doors Open: 6:00 PM | First Clash: 7:00 PM
The legends are ready. The sand is waiting. Don’t just watch history—be part of the impact. Get your tickets now.
Sandstorm says he could have beat WWF wrestler Yokozuna in a Sumo match❗️
@worldelitesumo taking Sumo to the next level.
I learned a lot about traditional sumo wrestling. The full interview on @hot97 YouTube 🎥
Get ready, Newark! We are just 48 HOURS away from witnessing history. 🥋🔥
On Saturday, May 16, Prudential Center becomes the battleground for World Elite Sumo presents PROSUMO: NEW ERA.
🏆 12 elite athletes. One ring. One champion.
📍 Saturday, May 16
📍 Prudential Center | Newark, NJ
🎟️ Tickets are moving fast. Don’t miss the start of a new era in sumo.
🔗 in BIO
Who are you rooting for? 👇
3 DAYS AWAY FROM THE NEW ERA! 🚨
We are just three days out from the massive World Elite Sumo: New Era event at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. This Saturday, May 16, watch the earth shake during an intense one-night, 12-man tournament.
GIVEAWAY ALERT! 🎟️🎟️
Want to witness the power of ProSumo live? We are giving away a voucher for 2 tickets to 50 lucky winners!
How to Enter:
1. LIKE this post.
2. COMMENT WES PRO SUMO NEW ERA
3. SHARE this post to your story or feed.
4. MENTION your partner
EVENT DETAILS
• Event: World Elite Sumo Presents: ProSumo - New Era.
• Format: One Night • 12-Man Tournament.
• Date: Saturday, May 16.
• Location: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ.
🚨 3 DAYS TO GO: THE EARTH WILL SHAKE! 🚨
The wait is almost over. On May 16, the giants descend upon Newark. 12 of the world’s most elite athletes are arriving at Prudential Center for a collision of power, tradition, and pure strength.
🏆 World Elite Sumo: Pro Sumo — New Era
12 warriors enter the ring. Only ONE will leave as the undisputed Champion. This isn’t just a match; it’s a historic showdown you have to feel to believe.
When: Saturday, May 16
Where: Prudential Center, New Jersey
The Stakes: Total dominance.
🎟️ GRAB YOUR TICKETS NOW
Don’t be the one watching the highlights on your feed—be there in person when the floor starts to tremble. Tickets are moving fast!
👉 Ticketmaster.com
#WorldEliteSumo #ProSumo #NewEra #SumoInNJ #PrudentialCenter NewarkEvents TheEarthWillShake
Blink and you’ll miss it⚡️
Rui Jr. with the record-breaking takedown! More world-class collisions coming to the Prudential Center this Saturday in NJ.
@worldelitesumo Pro Sumo | SAT MAY 16 ➡️ TrillerTV+
🔥 THE COUNTDOWN IS ON! 🔥
The wait is almost over! We are only 4 DAYS AWAY from the most explosive night in combat sports. Witness history as World Elite Sumo presents PROSUMO: NEW ERA.
12 elite warriors. One night. One champion.
📍 EVENT DETAILS
• Date: Saturday • May 16
• Venue: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
• Format: 12-Man Tournament
🎟️ SECURE YOUR SEAT
Don’t be the one watching the highlights—be there to feel the earth shake!
• Get Tickets: Visit Ticketmaster.com
The dohyo is set. The fire is lit. Who will reign supreme? 🏆
4 DAYS OUT! The countdown is on for World Elite Sumo: New Era.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
Doors: 6:00 PM | Show: 7:00 PM
Witness Joshua Ortiz “The beast” and the world’s top sumo athletes battle it out in a high-stakes, single-elimination tournament. This is more than a fight—it’s an immersive experience featuring live taiko drumming and massive production.
What to Expect:
• 12-Man Tournament: A one-night-only bracket to crown the champion.
• Elite Competition: Quick, decisive, high-energy matches.
• Rescheduled Event: All tickets from the original April date will be honored.
