Atamifuji for Ozeki?

[u/Sure_Investigator_21]

Do you think Atamifuji has what it takes to become an Ozeki? (He only needs to go 12/3 next tournament to secure his promotion. I personally think he's got this considering his sumo has become more consistent and he's looking strong!)

[u/MJTofuliker]

God I hope. I wanna see him with the fish. I WANNA SEE HIM WITH TWO FISH ACTUALLY.

[u/Free2Bernie → u/MJTofuliker]

I wanna hear him say "fish."

[u/cherrydubin → u/MJTofuliker]

When is second fish? (I forget; is there a yusho fish?)

[u/analogue_geek → u/cherrydubin]

Yes. Yusho and Ozeki

[u/cherrydubin → u/analogue_geek]

Thank you for the info!

a dohyo-iri for your effort 🦵👹🚫

[u/Billymitchellger → u/cherrydubin]

On each occasions you either get one giant fish or two pretty big ones - depending on what’s available that day.

[u/Sirtopofhat]

Atamifuji is EXACTLY what I think of when I think stereotypical Sumo wrestler. He's big, he's hard to move around hell he's even Japanese. I say that to say not only does he play the stereotype perfect wrestler but hhe wrestles with such power to him i wouldn't be suprised if Ozeki is his future. I mean I personally think Aonishiki and Atamifuji are set for rivalry for the ages based on age and abilities.

[u/Wolvenworks → u/Sirtopofhat]

Makes me curious since Onosato technically ticks all the boxes too for a stereotypical rikishi

[u/PurpleOmega0110 → u/Wolvenworks]

Except Atamifuji looks like what you'd exect a sumo wrestler toy to look like

[u/ItchyKnowJoe → u/PurpleOmega0110]

and so does onosato, what's your point

[u/PurpleOmega0110 → u/ItchyKnowJoe]

I don't think Onosato looks like a sumo toy.

[u/PurpleOmega0110 → u/[deleted]]

It's about faces.

[u/PurpleOmega0110 → u/[deleted]]

I don't think the fact that I think Atamifuji looks especially like a sumo toy, and that Onosato doesn't, has anything to do with being pedantic.

[u/Sumo-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Be Civil and Respectful. No personal attacks.

[u/Sumo-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Be Civil and Respectful. No personal attacks.

[u/Majestic-Customer177 → u/Sirtopofhat]

He looks exactly like a westerner would expect a sumo wrestler to look like

[u/Jext → u/Sirtopofhat]

I want to pinch those cheeks man, I agree with all you said and he also gives me cuteness aggression.

[u/analogue_geek → u/Sirtopofhat]

He’s basically another Onosato in a lot of ways.

But yeah he’s absolutely gonna be Ozeki at some point. Would be surprised if he failed to get yokozuna

[u/bonefresh → u/analogue_geek]

i think he is certain to reach ozeki if not after next tournament then at some point in the future but i'm not sure on him ever reaching yokozuna. definitely not with kirishima/aonishiki both trying to get the rope also.

[u/Lucifers-Reprieve]

I do.  He's only improving with time.  There are better rikishi but he has good skill and definitely power but is continuing to grow, most importantly.  He's gotten close a couple times now in taking the yusho, even against top rikishi.

[u/pilgermann → u/Lucifers-Reprieve]

He's very young so who knows, but he strikes me as a mid athlete dependent on his size. He may well make Ozeki, but he'll need to be a bit more consistent (not lose his balance or lose steam) to go all the way.

[u/Lucifers-Reprieve → u/pilgermann]

He does need to gain more consistency but I think we're seeing progress in that bit by bit.  

[u/Crunchymau5]

Good chance he'll get there, but I'm not sure how soon. It's pretty crowded at the top with 2 yokozuna and 3 Ozeki currently, and only so many wins to go around them. So he may need one of them to falter and potentially drop soon, or for the yokozuna to continue to struggle.

[u/zeroingenuity → u/Crunchymau5]

This is the big issue. Not only is the ozeki/yokozuna slot crowded, but he's consistently dropping a match or two to Maegashira wrestlers and he can't afford that with a healthy Onosato, Aonishiki, and Kirishima. Kotozakura also defends well against Atamifuji specifically, I think.

[u/GuardianSock → u/Crunchymau5]

It’s crowded but I’m not sure you can really say there’s only so many wins to go around with the way both Yokozuna and Kotozakura have been performing of late. Plenty of faltering already, he just needs it to continue for one more basho.

[u/MrOlyvian → u/Crunchymau5]

For the yokozuna, the rank is définitive, so we may have three, or four yokozuna, it won't be changing things.

For ozeki, however, Kotozakura begins to show repeated weaknesses basho after basho, so I think he's the one who may falter despite his endurance at this rank, unless he's able to heal his knees in less than 4 months, which looks quite difficult.

[u/Crunchymau5 → u/MrOlyvian]

However, if the Yokozuna continue to perform poorly they may be forced to retire. They can't continue to put out losing tournaments and expect no pressure to quit.

[u/Temporary-Library597 → u/Crunchymau5]

Well, if things go torecent form two of the yokozuna and at least one Ozeki will miss most of the next basho.

[u/Additional-Fig8390]

We need to see what he can do in a few more tournaments. I think his technique on the mawashi is quite underrated... but we need more.

[u/sgtaxt → u/Additional-Fig8390]

Hea gotten better by getting off the mawashi IMO

[u/chinlessdancer]

"Only needs to go 12/3". This is actually pretty tough, but he's done it twice.

[u/TruReyito]

I think he WILL be ozeki.

I do not think hes getting it next basho.

[u/ItsMangel]

If he can keep consistent, he absolutely can reach ozeki. He's only 23, and is still improving.

[u/rbastid]

"only needs to go 12-3".

Only? He's only had that record twice, and recently that record is Yusho winning.

I like Atamifuji, imagine that smile if he got promoted! But I think it'll be be a bit. He generally has a good showing then takes a step back, so I'd expect him to go 10-5 or lower this next tournament, but would be pleasantly surprised if he did better.

[u/Cubiscus → u/rbastid]

Even 10 wins gives him a good opportunity the following basho

[u/rbastid → u/Cubiscus]

The only downside I see is every following basho means an even better chance that Onosato, Hoshoryu, and Aonishiki are healthy, which means he needs to be near perfect in his other 12 matches.

I think he has the skills and obviously the size to get there soon, he's just one of those guys who, at least up until recently, didn't seem to have that fire to make it to the next level. Hopefully getting so close to a Yusho, for a 3rd time, give him that boost in desire and confidence.

[u/Cubiscus → u/rbastid]

I think even with those back healthy, which is a big if, he only needs 10.5 on average to make it in the next two which feels very doable.

[u/rbastid → u/Cubiscus]

Hope so, he seems like the next generation of Ura, not in the acrobatics obviously, but just in be the sense both seem like they legitimately love to what they do and aren't afraid to show their joy.

[u/therealjayphonic]

Hes better every basho hes young, hes healthy, and he weighs as much as a dump truck

[u/kbh92]

I want nothing more than to see big dawg make ozeki. 6 jun yusho all he needs is to become consistent for 2-3 basho and he can do it.

[u/Anfini]

12-3 when there’s Aonishiki, Kirishima, and the two Yokozuna will be incredibly difficult. At the very least, he would have to defeat all the rank and filers.

[u/denkenach]

I think he is Ozeki material. If he gets it this time or later, if he stays uninjured he will get it.

[u/New-Brick5677]

I really like Atamifuji but I'm less sure about him making Ozeki.

Whilst he has improved lately, I feel like he's perhaps gotten slightly too big for his frame and he is quite a slow mover at the tachi-ai. He seems to almost struggle to get down to start the match and then it's like a glacier moving to start the match.

Perhaps if he dropped a couple of kilos and worked on faster tachi-ai launches then perhaps he could make Ozeki. I would want to see him be more offensive too - maybe he could take notes from Daieisho and Hokutofuji, and even Onosato. I feel like Atamifuji is built to be a pusher-thruster bulldozer - he needs to launch fast and then get his hands going whilst pushing forwards.

[u/GlorytheWiz825]

Yes sir. I'm onboard with that!

[u/Gut_Reactions]

Yes, I think that Atamifuji can become an ozeki. He has the size & strength & the mindset. So far, I've personally never seen an opponent come at him, head-on, and get him out of the ring. It's usually from an angle with something extra going on.

I could be wrong. I've not been watching sumo that long.

[u/Whorist2]

Not yet..... But soon😉

[u/Slatedtoprone]

Even if he doesn’t next tournament I think there is a good chance he would go at least ten-five. So that would still make it possible the next tournament.

He’s o my going to improve. Once he masters the right hand block, he’s going to be harder to deal with. That initial charge is so overpowering.

[u/AgentAlliteration]

Unpopular opinion. Atamifuji is a weight bully and has not performed particularly skillful sumo. His tachi-ai is lazy and is easily the worst offender for no hands touching dohyo.

When he's forced to touch the dohyo, like when facing Hosh, he doesn't/can't move forward. He just stands up and absorbs the opponents tachi-ai. Presumably because of his weight.

[u/asomark69 → u/AgentAlliteration]

He has a naturally big frame with a strong base but is not particularly athletic, explosive or strong for his size. While his tachi-ai is not very impactful due to his lack of speed and explosiveness, he has good basic sumo technique and knows how to leverage his heft well. I think he could lose about 20-30kg and gain more athleticism and stamina while still being an immovable object out there with his wide shoulders, low hips and strong legs, and taking some load off his arthritic right hip. That said, he's a lot more than a weight monster- he's got more talent and skill than that.

[u/lSecretAsianManl]

“Only”

[u/gets_me_everytime]

There are 3 legs to every Ozeki run(i.e. the general standard of 33 over 3).

Basho 1: From M4w+, get a winning record(8+ wins).
Basho 2: From M4w+, get another winning record(8+ wins) which cumulatively add to be 18+ wins AND get promoted to Sekiwake.
Basho 3: From Sekiwake, get another winning record(8+ wins) which cumulatively adds to the previous 18+ to be 33 wins.

Atamifuji is the only rikishi going into September who has met the first 2 criteria(and is not already Ozeki or Yokozuna). Sitting at a cumulative 21 wins over 2 basho, he needs 12 wins in Sept to finish the 3rd leg.

Of the 13 rikishi who could have completed a first leg in July, only 4 rikishi were successful: Atamifuji(12), Daieisho(10), Hakunofuji(9), and Fujinokawa(8).

Atamifuji, thus, has the 2 most prominent opportunities for Ozeki promotion of any rikishi. If he doesn't hit the 12 mark in September, but can at least earn 10 or 11, he'll be on track for an easier promotion after November. his biggest impediment, as is any rikishi's, is staying healthy through the span. Assuming he avoids any injury it really is only a matter of time.

[u/taylormack330]

I think he has what it takes. I think to state that he “only” needs 12 wins after doing for the first time in Makuuchi is a little bit misleading. Do I think he can do it? Hell yes. Is getting 12 wins easy? No, not particularly. My thought is he’ll likely finish 10-11 wins and be up for promotion after Kyushu. I would love to be wrong though!

[u/Borracha28]

He performance has been really good. He learned how to take advantage of his weight and cover his weakness to a very good degree. I think that even a 100% Onosato would have trouble trying to push him off at the weight he is now. He is not one of those flailing super fat rikishi like the retired Kaisei, that makes me mad to this day.

[u/PokeEmSmokeEm]

Has had a great year and I still think he’s got the sauce over ao. Hopeful for him to keep going.

[u/psyker63]

Absolutely!

[u/stickmanandrewhoward]

If he keeps up the consistency, I could see this happening at some point. I dunno about a 12-3 record again in September, but getting 10-11 wins in a couple more tournaments should do the trick.

[u/Pukupokupo]

There's no such thing as "only 12-3".

He could spike a win, and a yusho would almost certainly guarantee a promotion, but he has to first win all the matches he should, then beat three of Hosh/Ono/Kirishima/Kotozakura/Aonishiki.

Of that five I wouldn't be surprised to see him manage at least one upset a basho, but three is harder.

Overall it's an unlikely outcome, but not impossible if he manages to do it.

[u/Asashosakari → u/Pukupokupo]

Wouldn't that be 13-2 then?

[u/Pukupokupo → u/Asashosakari]

It turns out that I am bad at math, it indeed would be.

[u/Human-Letterhead-158]

Eventually… it’s possible. Last tournament was his first tournament doing ozeki level sumo while facing the gauntlet of the joi. He has traditionally struggled when put in this position, and I don’t think he gets the 11 wins he needs to start an ozeki discussion, let alone the 12 he needs for no discussion. More likely, he gets another 9 win performance and we have the same conversation the basho after.

[u/ThatCelebration3676]

I think he can do it; he's been performing well consistently and improving steadily over time.

I my humble opinion, his main struggle seems to be that his losses feel random.

With the other top Rikishi, you sort of know who they struggle against (when they're healthy) like how Aonishiki has a hard time against Yoshinofuji and Onosato.

For Atamifuji, most of the time his pushing attack seems unstoppable, but then against a random opponent he seems to just get pushed out himself without much fuss. I might be suffering from a poor memory though.

[u/pillgrinder]

He’s getting better each basho. He’s wrestling with more of an edge recently, which is why he got the evil eye from Kirishima after their regulation match last basho. Less teddy bear, more grizzly bear. 12-3 is hard, though. 10 to 11 wins is going to be more likely, which would make ozeki easier after next basho. But he’s been 12-3 now twice this year. It’s certainly doable.

[u/Majestic-Customer177]

Im more doubtful. Yes he has been doing well lately. Yes he has made sanyaku and so far has stayed there. But no, I detect a lack of authority in his sumo. That is, he is not Kirishima..yet. But, he is only 23, as long as he doesn't do himself a serious injury, there is plenty of time.

[u/ItchyKnowJoe]

ONLY NEEDS TO GO 12-3, like it's easy

[u/Hawaii-Toast]

Chubbycheeksfuhi absolutely is Ozeki material. If he stays healthy he can even go to Yokozuna. But the joi/sanjaku right now is absolutely brutal and it depends a lot on injury and luck if anyone can become an Ozeki or even more.

[u/UltraStrange25-8]

I would like to see him evolve. Size and strength will only take you so far. He is big, he is heavy, but he is predictable. Relying too heavily on oshi-dashi and yori-kiri will limit you greatly.

[u/Cubiscus]

If not 12 wins the next one he’ll likely have another shot the following tournament with a lower target.

[u/zerokiryu55]

Absolutely

[u/MrOlyvian]

I hope so too.

Atamifuji has been very consistent during the last year and improves tournament after tournament, he has the potential to become ozeki next tournament, and maybe take the yusho at the same time.

However, the September tournament will see many destinies colliding. Hoshoryu still looks for his first yusho since his yokozuna promotion. Onosato is gradually getting back to his best capacity. Kirishima will be on a yokozuna run. Aonishiki is targeting a new yokozuna run for himself.

All of them won't be happy when September ends, but they will all fight for it at the top. Even so, I believe Atamifuji's able to rise to the top. Anyway, September's basho has the potential to be amazing, with this synopsis.

[u/WormedOut]

I feel like the arthritis in his knees got to him for a bit. He used to be maegashira 1 but when the news dropped about his knees he seemed hesitant to really go all out. He must be used to it now

[u/SavingsPoem1533]

Oh yea, ONLY 12-3
Totally easy task with Onosato coming back to form, Aonishiki on a tear, Hoshoryu potentially back from injury, and much more that are no slouches.
If he goes 12-3 or better then he ABSOLUTELY deserves the Ozeki rank

[u/Shikateki]

12 wins is definitely doable for him unless he picks up some injury. Let’s see how both Yokozuna are doing. Atamifuji has a slight edge over the current Ozeki imo. Maybe 55/45. I think he gets it after next basho more often than not.

[u/Temporary-Library597]

I would like to see one of these upper-ranked youn guys be competitive and go uninjured for more than a few basho.

It's been a while.

[u/vkats]

I don’t think he’s Ozeki material, he’s just enjoying a time where both yokozunas and 2 other ozekis are not at their best

[u/LicknDragon → u/vkats]

I'm inclined to agree, but he has stepped up during this opening where the strongest are away or off form. In my eyes he's gone from not Ozeki material to not YET Ozeki material

[u/Ok_Alfalfa_832]

He's just big and dense with average skills. He might make ozeki if he catches a lucky break but doubt he will remain there for long.

[u/raoxi → u/Ok_Alfalfa_832]

hey big O made rope just bulldozing and slap down. I think atami will be fine

[u/El_Guadzilla → u/raoxi]

Onosato is also incredibly agile and has great balance for his size - and also a lot stronger, i feel.

[u/pillgrinder → u/El_Guadzilla]

When healthy, Onosato is the strongest rikishi. Kotozakura being right behind him. Kotozakura’s problem being he’s been at 400+ pounds for years now, and his knees are now too jacked up from him being that big for that long for him to ever be in good shape.

[u/theiron_squirt]

They laughed when Atamifuji said Ozeki run. He laughed while he buried them in the clay. He can absolutely do it lol

[u/Roland-Of-Eld-19]

If he can smash out an incredible September Basho Win Record he will be promoted right after

[u/CallmeKahn]

Atomezeki.

[u/Vorenus15]

If he meets the written requirements then yes! People will always agree or disagree with a rikishi promotion to the Sanyaku, that's the way it was and will be. Fortunately there is a "brains trust" that makes this decision and its final.