Miriam Nakamoto, born on August 5, 1976, is a retired American Muay Thai fighter and mixed martial artist whose undefeated record and fierce persona earned her the nickname “The Queen of Mean.” At 49 years old, her net worth is estimated at $1-2 million, primarily from her fighting career and media appearances. Her journey spans an undefeated 16-0 Muay Thai record, eight world championships, and a brief but impactful MMA career halted by injury. Nakamoto’s personal life, including her dating history and engagement, has also drawn attention, offering a glimpse into her life beyond the ring.
Early Life and Background: Age, Height, and Weight
Born in Hawaii, Miriam Nakamoto grew up with a rich cultural heritage, her great-grandmother arriving as a picture bride. Now 49 years old, she stands at 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs approximately 135 pounds during her fighting days, competing in the Bantamweight division. Her athletic build and disciplined training regimen defined her career. Nakamoto moved to California to live with her father and stepmother, where she discovered Muay Thai at 23 years old, a pivotal moment that shaped her future.
Muay Thai Career: Undefeated Champion
Nakamoto began her professional Muay Thai career in 2005, quickly rising to prominence with an undefeated 16-0 record. She secured eight world championships, including the WMC World Muay Thai Lightweight Champion (2011), WBC World Muay Thai Lightweight Champion (2010), and IFMA Amateur Muay Thai World Championships (2009). Her dominance in the ring showcased her technical prowess and relentless drive. A notable fight was against Julie Kitchen, where Nakamoto’s precision and power left a lasting mark, as covered by Awakening Fighters.
Transition to MMA: A Short but Stellar Run
In 2012, Nakamoto transitioned to MMA, debuting at Red Canvas Fight Promotions: Art of Submission 2 on September 15, 2012. She defeated Elizabeth Phillips with knees in the second round, signaling her potential. Her Invicta FC debut on April 5, 2013, saw her knock out Jessamyn Duke in the first round, earning the Knockout of the Night award. However, a knee injury during her 2013 fight against Lauren Murphy ended her career prematurely, tearing her ACL and meniscus. This injury sidelined her, but her legacy remains, as detailed on Sherdog.
Net Worth and Salary Insights
Miriam Nakamoto’s net worth is estimated at $1-2 million as of 2025, derived from her fighting career, sponsorships, and media appearances. While exact salary figures remain undisclosed, top Muay Thai and MMA fighters in her era earned between $10,000-$50,000 per fight, with bonuses for knockouts. Nakamoto’s media roles, including her appearance in the 2005 music video “Tired of Being Sorry” directed by Joaquin Phoenix and the reality show Fight Girls (2007) on Oxygen, supplemented her income. Her financial growth reflects her success, though her injury limited further earnings.
Personal Life: Dating, Married, and Engagement
Nakamoto’s personal life has garnered attention, particularly her dating history. She was engaged to Manolo Hurricane Hernandez, an MMA coach and former MMAX champion, in 2019, as announced on her Instagram. However, by 2022, she was dating Leonard Oshiro, an amateur MMA fighter, with the couple sharing moments like ice cream dates on social media. A controversial podcast with Joe Rogan revealed Nakamoto ended a relationship after her partner displayed weakness in a fight, sparking debate about her standards. As of 2025, she remains unmarried and has no children, keeping her personal life private.
The Joe Rogan Connection: A Lifeline
In 2019, Joe Rogan funded Nakamoto’s $30,000 stem cell therapy to treat her grade 3 meniscus lesion, a gesture that highlighted his support for the MMA community. Nakamoto expressed gratitude on social media, noting her determination to return to fighting. While she hasn’t competed since, her recovery focused on reclaiming her passion, as shared in her Reddit AMA.
Media Appearances and Cultural Impact
Beyond fighting, Nakamoto’s media career included a lead role in the 2005 music video for Ringside’s “Tired of Being Sorry” and a stint on Fight Girls, where she defeated Jennifer Tate by split decision. These appearances showcased her charisma and broadened her fanbase. Her story resonates with aspiring female fighters, proving resilience in a male-dominated sport. Nakamoto’s Hawaiian roots and disciplined mindset add depth to her legacy, inspiring fans on platforms like Tapology.
Challenges and Resilience: Overcoming Injury
Nakamoto’s career-ending knee injury in 2013 was a turning point. The ACL tear and meniscus damage required extensive recovery, supported by Rogan’s generosity. In a personal reflection, Nakamoto stated, “I don’t want to leave my sport because of an injury, only on my terms.” Her determination to recover and explore new career paths, possibly in coaching or media, highlights her resilience. This perspective offers a unique angle on her journey, emphasizing mental toughness over physical setbacks.
Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Miriam Herbie Nakamoto |
| Date of Birth | August 5, 1976 |
| Age | 49 years old (as of 2025) |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (1.75 m) |
| Weight | 135 pounds (61 kg) |
| Nationality | American |
| Birthplace | Hawaii, United States |
| Profession | Muay Thai Fighter, Mixed Martial Artist |
| Net Worth | $1-2 million (estimated) |
| Salary | Not publicly disclosed |
| Marital Status | Unmarried, previously engaged |
| Current Partner | Leonard Oshiro (since 2022) |
| Past Engagement | Manolo Hurricane Hernandez (2019) |
| Children | None |
| Muay Thai Record | 16-0, 8 world championships |
| MMA Record | 2-1, 1 NC |
| Notable Titles | WMC, WBC, IFMA Muay Thai Champion |
| Injury | ACL tear, meniscus lesion (2013) |
| Media Appearances | Fight Girls (2007), Tired of Being Sorry (2005) |
Recent Updates and Future Prospects
As of 2025, Nakamoto remains active on social media, sharing training updates and personal milestones. Her focus has shifted from competition to recovery and mentoring, with potential plans to coach aspiring fighters. Her Instagram posts suggest a renewed passion for fitness, hinting at a comeback in a non-competitive role. Fans speculate about her return to the ring, but Nakamoto prioritizes health and legacy over rushed comebacks.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Strength
Miriam Nakamoto’s journey from Hawaii to global Muay Thai stardom is a testament to her grit and talent. Her net worth, career achievements, and personal life reflect a woman who defied odds in a tough industry. Despite setbacks, her story inspires, blending athletic prowess with personal resilience. Follow her journey on Instagram and explore her career on Wikipedia for more insights.
