Sumiko Inaba Set to Face Dakota Ditcheva in PFL Champions Series Co-Main Event

Veteran MMA fighter Sumiko Inaba (8-1) will face undefeated rising star Dakota Ditcheva (14-0) in the co-main event of PFL Champions Series: Cape Town on July 19, marking the inaugural PFL Africa event.

The bout represents the biggest test of Inaba’s career as she prepares to take on the 2024 PFL Women’s Flyweight World Tournament Champion.

“This is the most important fight in my career,” Inaba said. “She’s a great martial artist, and I respect her very much. But on July 19, we’re going to see what happens.”

Fighting for the first time in Cape Town, the 34-year-old Hawaii native expressed excitement about the opportunity to showcase her skills on a global stage.

“I’m more than grateful,” Inaba said. “It’s a big spread of MMA across the world, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Inaba, who began her career in Bellator before transitioning to PFL, understands the challenge that Ditcheva presents. All of Ditcheva’s nine PFL victories have come before the final bell.

“I know this is a huge opportunity,” Inaba said. “Beating her would be a huge jump in my career. I thought, why not test myself at the highest level?”

Despite Ditcheva’s flawless record and youth—she is eight years Inaba’s junior—Inaba believes her experience gives her an edge.

“She’s been doing this since she was little, but I think I have more experience than her,” Inaba said. “No one has stood toe-to-toe with her. I’m going to bring my fight, and that’s going to be the difference.”

Inaba declined to look past the fight or make predictions but said she is excited about the opportunities that could follow a victory.

“This fight will open up a lot of doors,” she said. “I’m excited for what’s to come after this.”

As for the night’s main event between Johnny Eblen and Costello van Steenis, Inaba offered a brief prediction.

“That’s going to be fireworks,” she said. “Johnny Eblen. I think they’ll go all five rounds.”

PFL Champions Series: Cape Town streams live on ESPN+ in the U.S. starting at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 19.