After discovering martial arts in 2012, Sumiko Inaba had an impressive 7-1 amateur career before turning pro in 2020, competing under the Bellator banner all the way until the PFL’s acquisition of the brand last year. Inaba went 6-0, including a win over Veta Arteaga, before a loss to Denise Kielholtz at Bellator 301. Ibana made her PFL debut in April, earning a decision over Saray Orozco.

 

Mackenzie Stiller has shown strong grappling prowess thanks to her judo black belt and Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt, having trained in both disciplines from a young age. At 3-0, Stiller has equally had a strong start to her MMA career, which has included two fights in Bellator thus far. Stiller submitted Maria Henderson at Bellator 293 and earned a decision over Chiara Penco at Bellator 299 before another first-round submission just last month, defeating Micaela Rampage outside the Bellator cage.

 

Which of these two ladies will get themselves one step closer to a potential title shot?

 

 

Round 1

 

The two bringing out a quick pace right away, both firing off strikes early. Right hand from Stiller. One-two from Inaba. A couple of kicks from Stiller. Right hand from Stiller again. A left hand from Stiller. A right hand from Stiller. Stiller circling on the outside. High kick from Stiller is blocked. One-two from Inaba. Stiller catches a body kick attempt from Inaba and forces Inaba to the fence. Inaba reverses the position, but Stiller uses a judo throw to get Inaba to the mat for a moment. Round kick from Stiller is blocked, as is a right hand.

 

Low kick from Inaba. Combination from Inaba. High kick from Stiller lands lightly. Still shoots in and gets another takedown, though Inaba gets up quickly. The two jockey for grappling position, as the two battle along the fence before returning to the center. Right hand from Stiller. One-two from Inaba. Combination from Inaba. Inaba lands a nasty kick, and Stiller appears to be hurt. Inaba presses Stiller into the fence. Stiller looks for another throw, but Inaba fights it off. Round kick by Stiller. Right hand from Stiller. One-two from Inaba. High kick from Inaba. Inaba on the front foot to end the round.

 

 

Round 2

 

Inaba getting to work with the left hand. Combination from Stiller. The two exchange kicks. Stiller looks for another takedown, but Inaba keeps her balance and brings Stiller over to the fence. Stiller, however, gets another judo throw and looks to stifle Inaba’s attack. Inaba is able to get up and shake Stiller off her, however. Stiller lands a right hand before Inaba grabs a body lock and brings Stiller back to the fence. Inaba lands a couple of short elbows, and they’re hurting Stiller!

 

Stiller looks to wrestle, but Inaba continues her attack. Inaba gets the right hand to work. Stiller is busted open on the nose! Inaba continues her attack. Inaba switches to the left elbow. Stiller is able to get in another judo throw and gets to Inaba’s back! Stiller gets into mount, but Inaba is fighting off the rear-naked choke. Stiller quickly turns it into an armbar! Inaba gets over and is able to get out of danger! Inaba landing elbows again, this time on the ground! Inaba fires off some ground-and-pound in the last minute of the round! Referee Mike Beltran steps in!

 

 

What a fight! What a performance from both women, and especially Sumiko Inaba!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Sumiko Inaba def. Mackenzie Stiller via second-round TKO (punches, 4:25)