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

Akebono will serve as a promoter of the K-1 World GP in his native Hawaii on Aug. 9, the Nikkan Sports newspaper reported Friday.

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. The sport is popular in Japan and is trying to gain a following in the United States.