BIG BEAR VS SANDSTORM

Elite heavyweight sumo athletes collide in a one-night international showdown.

“Big Bear” (left) and “Sandstorm” (right) will compete at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

NEWARK, NJ — A history-making sumo wrestler from New Jersey will be among the athletes battling it out during an upcoming tournament in the Garden State.

World Elite Sumo (WES) – which bills itself as the first independent professional sumo wrestling league established outside of Japan’s traditional sumo universe in 800 years – will hold a major live event at Prudential Center in Newark at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 16.

The 12-man single-elimination tournament will feature elite heavyweight competitors from around the world alongside taiko drumming, cinematic entrances, and a premium fight-night production.

The list of competitors entering the ring includes Abdelrahman “Sandstorm” Shalan — the CEO of World Elite Sumo.

A native of Egypt, the 33-year-old Waldwick resident is widely regarded as the first sumo wrestler in history from the Middle East and Africa. He is known for his aggressive tsuki/oshi fighting style built around explosive thrusting and pushing attacks.