Retired Sumo Yokozuna Asashoryu Could Transition to MMA with DREAM

An earthquake in the conservative world of sumo in Japan could have aftershocks in mixed martial arts (MMA).

Reigning West Yokozuna “Asashoryu” Dolgorsürengiin Dagvadorj of Mongolia retired amidst controversy surrounding his apparent assault of a restaurant employee in January.  Yokozuna, and sumo rikishi in general, are held to a high standard of behavior and such an incident is intolerable within the sport.

“I am grateful for everything. I will retire,” said Asashoryu last Thursday, after nearly seven years as yokozuna.

However, according to Japan-MMA, Asa’ has been courted by DREAM parent company, FEG, like fellow former Yokozuna “Akebono” Chad Rowan (0-4) was in 2003.

Five-hundred pound Rowan never earned a victory in MMA, but Asa’ may be better suited for fighting.  Asa’ began his career as an undersized rikishi at 284 pounds and relied on agility and technique to win.  But, he’s put on 40 pounds and is now considered a true powerhouse as well, mastering the tsuriotoshi, or lifting body slam, technique.  During his career, he won sumo matches by a range of 45 different techniques, a wide range in a sport specialization.  Asa’ even used an inner thigh throw known as yaguranage to win a match in July 2009, the first time the technique was successful in Sumo’s premier division since 1975.  Asashoryu has agility, strength, and technique; and, at 29-years old, has time to become a heavyweight mixed martial artist.