Kazushi Sakuraba and Josh Barnett, who share similar backgrounds with MMA, submission fighting and pro wrestling, are looking at mixing elements of all three in the creation of the team-oriented Quintet submission grappling promotion.
The idea will come to fruition on April 11 with the first of what are hoped to be three shows this year. The debut show takes place in one of Japan’s most famous sports arenas, the Ryogoku Sumo Hall, in Tokyo, Japan.
The name Quintet comes from the competition being about five-man teams. The first show will feature a four-team one-night tournament under “Survival Series” rules.