She began training in MMA as a part-time job to kill time and save money after studying overseas but went on to become one of the most successful female mixed martial artists in the world.
She was defeated by Carina Damm in a controversial bout at MARS Attack 1 on July 21, 2006,[4] but avenged the loss in a rematch one month later on August 26.
[8] On February 28, 2010, Matsumoto announced her retirement from mixed martial arts in front of a shocked audience at DEEP: 46th Impact in Tokyo, Japan.
[3] In a blog entry on March 2, 2010, Matsumoto stated that she had become detached from MMA and no longer had the ability to continue serious training or perform as a professional fighter.
[2] Matsumoto engaged in a five-minute exhibition match with friend and fellow fighter Megumi Fujii at DEEP: 47th Impact on April 17, 2010.