American mixed martial arts fighter
Sumiko Inaba (born February 6, 1991) is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Women's Flyweight division of the Bellator MMA.
Background.
After graduating King Kekaulike High School, Inaba studied nursing before she discovered mixed martial arts while attending boxing classes to get into shape.
She has a daughter, Kiyarah-Lei, who was born around 2009.
Mixed martial arts career.
Early career.
She went 6-1 as an amateur, including four TKOs and one submission. After the pandemic put her career in the travel industry on hiatus, she put her full-time efforts into training. She decided to go professional in 2020 and landed an endorsement with Hilo-based Waiakea Water Company.
Bellator MMA.
After a successful amateur career, Inaba signed with Bellator MMA.
She made her professional MMA debut against Jessica Ruiz on November 5, 2020, at Bellator 251.
In her sophomore performance, Inaba faced Kristina Katsikis on May 21, 2021, at Bellator 259. She won the bout via third-round TKO.
Inaba faced Randi Field on October 16, 2021, at Bellator 268. She won the bout via arm-triangle choke in the second round.
Inaba faced Whittany Pyles on April 23, 2022, at Bellator 279. At the weigh-ins, Pyles missed weight for her bout, weighing in at 127.4 pounds, 1.4 pounds over the flyweight non-title fight limit. The bout proceeded at catchweight and Pyles was fined a percentage of her purse, which went to Inaba. Inaba knocked out her opponent with a left hook in the first round.
Inaba faced Nadine Mandiau on October 1, 2022, at Bellator 286. She won the bout after grinding out a unanimous decision.
Inaba faced Veta Arteaga on April 22, 2023, at Bellator 295. She won the bout via unanimous decision.
Inaba faced Denise Kielholtz on November 17, 2023, at Bellator 301. In a bout contested mostly on the feet, Kielholtz maintained the advantage and won the bout via unanimous decision.
Inaba was scheduled to Kaytlin Neil on April 4, 2024 at PFL 1. However, a week before the event it was announced that Inaba had pulled out.
Inaba made her debut with the Professional Fighters League on June 13, 2024 as she faced Saray Orozco at PFL 4. She won the bout via split decision.
Inaba faced Mackenzie Stiller on September 7, 2024 at Bellator Champions Series 4. She won the fight via TKO in the second round.
Mixed martial arts record.
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References.
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