After rising through the ranks in both the PFL and Bellator, flyweight contender Sumiko Inaba is stepping into the biggest fight of her career. She’s set to take on unbeaten champion Dakota Ditcheva at PFL Africa, part of the league’s global Champions Series.
Inaba made her PFL debut earlier this year, scoring a decision win over Saray Orozco following a TKO victory over Mackenzie Stiller in Bellator’s final stretch. Now, she steps into a spotlight that could launch her into title contention.
“I honestly feel like I manifested this,” Inaba told Sherdog. “I was in San Diego training, heard Dakota didn’t have an opponent, and I just put my name out there.” The fight — Inaba vs. Ditcheva — was quickly booked as a potential show-stealer.
While offered a spot in the PFL women’s flyweight tournament, Inaba chose to hold out for a high-profile opportunity — and it paid off. “This is the fight I’ve been waiting for,” she said. “Facing someone like Dakota — it’s massive.”
Ditcheva has quickly become one of the PFL’s biggest stars, dominating both in the regular season and PFL Europe. Inaba is well aware of what’s at stake. “She’s earned her status. But I’m ready for this moment.”
Both fighters are known for their striking, setting the stage for an explosive clash. “We’re going to meet in the center and let our hands go,” Inaba promised. “It’s fireworks waiting to happen.”
Set in Cape Town, PFL Africa marks a historic moment for the promotion — and a career-defining one for Inaba. “This is where I belong,” she said. “This fight changes everything.”
