Melissa “Mamba” Amaya Fights to Remain Undefeated Against Japan’s Megumi Sugimoto in Combate Global’s new ‘Combate Female’ Main Event.
After a year-long layoff, I had the opportunity to conduct a phone interview with undefeated MMA sensation Melissa “Mamba” Amaya (7-0) as she prepares for her highly anticipated return to action at strawweight (115 lbs). Her comeback will headline Combate Global’s all-women’s fight card, ‘Combate Female’, streaming live worldwide on YouTube, Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
Originally slated to face Bruna Ellen, Amaya will now meet Japan’s Megumi Sugimoto (11-4-3), a seasoned veteran and former world championship challenger who stepped in following Ellen’s injury withdrawal. Sugimoto brings a deep resume, including a win in Japan’s 2019 Infinity League and a background in elite amateur wrestling.
Amaya, based in Spokane, WA, spoke candidly in our interview about the emotional and physical challenges of her time away from competition. The year off wasn’t just about healing physically it was about rediscovering her fire. She’s back now with more focus than ever, and fighting on a card that celebrates women in the sport makes this return even more meaningful.
The event, ‘Combate Female‘, marks the first of five consecutive, monthly Combate Global shows and will stream free and live worldwide on Combate Global’s YouTube channel, in both Spanish and English. It will also be available in the U.S. on Samsung TV Plus through the promotion’s Spanish and English channels.
The June 19, 2025, lineup also includes:
A 110-pound catchweight bout between Melissa Gomez (3-0) of Chile and Kelly Staddon (3-1) of England, who stepped in for the injured Mariah Castro.
A 130-pound co-main event featuring undefeated Regina “Kill Bill” Tarin (5-0) from Mexico against Kaytlin “Katniss” Neil (7-5) from Utah.
A featured flyweight (125 pounds) matchup between Colombia’s Karen “KO” Omen (1-0) and Chile’s Katherinne “La Maldita” Machuca (3-2).
With its global platform and empowering all-female roster, ‘Combate Female‘ is set to showcase the evolution of women’s MMA and Amaya’s return to the cage will be one of its most anticipated highlights.
Follow Melissa “Mamba” Amaya on Instagram @melissa.amaya27.
To stream Combate Global’s ‘Combate Female’ via YouTube on Thursday, June 19, 2025, visit: https://www.youtube.com/@CombateGlobalOfficial.
Photo credit: Scott Hirano/Combate Global
