MMA legend Sapp raring to for QUINTET 5 in Dubai

Bob Sapp cannot wait for this week’s QUINTET 5 in Dubai as he looks to renew his rivalry with jiu-jitsu and MMA legends at Coca-Cola Arena.

The Coca-Cola Arena will be the setting that will bring together the best grapplers, jiu-jitsu, and MMA fighters.

Sapp joins QUINTET founder, Kazushi Sakuraba, jiu-jitsu legend Renzo Gracie and ex-Brazilian UFC star Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira - all known for their legendary battles in the Japanese-based PRIDE Fighting Championship, as captains of teams of five fighters in the innovative survival grappling format of QUINTET.

The 52-year-old says he’s excited to be part of the event. He said: “I have an opportunity to observe the up-and-coming talent that is coming through at this event. When I heard about QUINTET 5, I was excited about the unique concept and the battle continues from PRIDE where we go way back and I’m certainly looking forward to helping the youngsters pick up from where The Beast left off.” It is the first time QUINTET is being held in the Middle East and Sapp, who has competed in boxing and American Football, had nothing but praise for Dubai as hosts.

He said: “Having started my fighting career when I was 23, I have been to over 150 countries and I was curious to see how Dubai would do. I am more than satisfied as it’s an elite place and makes people go wow. The fighting landscape from MMA to jiu-jitsu is amazing with people coming together and Dubai has really picked up the torch and it’s fantastic to see that.”

For Tarek Suleiman, an MMA fighter himself and overseeing Quintet 5 as regional promoter is excited to bring this event to the UAE. “I’m excited to bring Quintet 5 to the UAE which is now a hub for MMA and sporting events. QUINTET is not like any other grappling event – it has now changed the landscape of grappling with team vs team of survival matches. Dubai is now the jewel of the Middle East and promotions are now coming to the UAE to host their event while the nation has really adopted jiu-jitsu across the country.

“We have a strong field with the legends of PRIDE and we have big names on the card competing internationally and from UAE including Thiago Sa so it’s going to be epic.”