The personification of not quitting may just fall in the hands of Miriam Nakamoto. The eight-time world champion has not had an easy road to those belts, yet, here she is. She’s endured stints in group homes, foster homes, juvenile hall, homelessness, and four knee surgeries (including stem cell therapy), Nakamoto has never let those challenges keep her away from her goal: Success.

Early in her fighting career, which began in 2005, Nakamoto took on well-established, veteran fighters, beating them all. This was highlighted in 2009 when she entered the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) World Championships with just five Muay Thai fights under her belt — and only two weeks of preparation. There, Nakamoto faced women with between 25 and 45 bouts. All she did was win the tournament in her weight class, effectively putting the Muay Thai fight world on notice.

Nakamoto, who won her division in Season 2 of the reality TV show Fight Girls in 2007, has built a 16-0 record in Muay Thai, while going 2-1-1 in Mixed Martial Arts and 2-3 in professional boxing.

Not only has she made people take notice in the ring, Nakamoto was featured in a music video, directed by Joaquin Phoenix, for the song “Tired Of Being Sorry” by Ringside. She was also spotlighted in an Uber Presents project called “Rock Steady” and in 2018, Nakamoto was the guest on episode 49 of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast.

She plans on returning to the ring soon. Stay tuned!

MIRIAM NAKAMOTO MILESTONES

• 2004 San Francisco Golden Gloves Champion
• WPMO World Title Holder 63.5kg
• 2009 IFMA Gold Medalist 63.5kg
• 2009 IFMA Best Female Boxer
• IMTA-TBA World Champion Lightweight
• WCK Champion Of Champions
• WMC World Champion
• 2x WBC World Champion Lightweight
• 2011 North American Muay Thai Fighter Of The Year Female
• WBC Muay Thai Hall Of Famer