TOKYO — After failing to impress in the K-1 ring, Akebono will look to make his mark as a promoter of the mixed martial arts sport.

The former sumo grand champion will serve as a promoter of the K-1 World GP in his native Hawai'i on Aug. 9.

That's according to the Nikkan Sports newspaper.

Akebono, whose real name is Chad Rowan, became the first foreign wrestler to reach sumo's highest rank of grand champion before retiring in 2001 and briefly serving as a sumo trainer.

He took up a career in K-1 in 2003 but managed only one win in 13 bouts.

K-1 combines elements of kickboxing, karate, taekwondo and other martial arts, with 80 percent of fights ending in knockout.