Power Slap Star Manu Enters Sumo Tournament

Power Slap super heavyweight Makini Manu has signed with World Elite Sumo and will compete in the promotion's 12-man open-weight tournament on Sept. 26 at Kaiser Permanente Arena in Santa Cruz, California.

Manu, ranked No. 1 in his division, carries a 6-1 record with three knockouts in Power Slap competition, per MMA Mania. The 400-pound athlete played college football at the University of Utah and earned All-American honors in rugby at Utah Valley University before competing professionally in both the XFL and rugby.

What World Elite Sumo Sees In Manu

World Elite Sumo CEO Abdelrahman Shalan said the 32-year-old's background makes him a natural fit for professional sumo. "Makini Manu has made an impact in competitive sports, including amateur sumo wrestling throughout his life and, with his size and athletic ability, we expect him to have a great career as a professional in World Elite Sumo," Shalan told the outlet.

The tournament field includes Shalan, who also competes under the nickname Sandstorm, along with Japan's Asahisho Kota, Brazil's Rui Junior, Russia's Soslan Gagloev, and Georgia's Giorgi Kvirchishvilli. World Elite Sumo plans to announce the remaining competitors in coming days.

Tickets start at $50 and are available now through Ticketmaster.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — ‘Mak’ attack! 400-pound Power Slap titan enters World Elite Sumo tourney on Sept. 26