Aonishiki Can Make History in November — And Three Men Can Stop Him

Aonishiki could become the 76th yokozuna at the Kyushu basho 2026, and the first European ever to reach sumo’s highest rank. This November sumo preview looks at what the Ukrainian ozeki needs in Fukuoka, and the three men best placed to stop him. We break down the matchups that will shape the yusho race, from Onosato vs Aonishiki to Aonishiki vs Hoshoryu, and look at where Kirishima, Kotozakura and the rising Fujinokawa fit in. You’ll also get the story behind Danylo Yavhusyshyn, how Ajigawa stable shaped him, and what the Yokozuna Deliberation Council weighs before any yokozuna promotion. It all comes down to fifteen days and the Emperor’s Cup. Aonishiki’s rise is one of the biggest stories in grand sumo, and a promotion would rewrite who gets to wear the rope. On Lielab, we cut through the hype in sumo news to show what’s really at stake and why this tournament could be remembered for decades. If you want to see whether Aonishiki makes history in Fukuoka, like this video and subscribe so you’re here when the Kyushu results land.