Rena Kubota

1.1. Childhood and Introduction to Combat Sports

Kubota was born on June 29, 1991, in Konohana Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan, as the youngest of four sisters. Her initial motivation to pursue combat sports stemmed from a desire to find a way to "defeat her rebellious older sisters." She began training at Oikawa Dojo when she was a sixth grader, where she gained experience in glove karate. The dojo was founded by Tomohiro Oikawa, a former Japanese Shoot Boxing Super Featherweight Champion, and provided her with foundational training in shoot boxing.

1.2. Professional Debut and Early Kickboxing Career

Kubota made her professional kickboxing debut in the all-female promotion J-Girls at New Heroine Coming! on July 1, 2007. Fighting under the ring name "Kubotune Rena M15," she suffered a split decision loss to Asami Furuya in the flyweight New Heroine tournament semi-final. She competed once more in J-Girls at the World Queen Tournament on November 4, 2007, where she defeated fellow Japanese fighter Mika Nagai by decision.

Her first bout in shoot boxing took place on December 23, 2007, at Shoot Boxing 2007 Mu-So 5th, where she defeated Kanako Oka by decision. She then secured victories in her next two fights as part of the Road to S-Cup series. On June 1, 2008, Kubota faced veteran mixed martial artist Miku Matsumoto in a kickboxing match at the Deep promotion's ClubDEEP Toyama Barbarian Festival 7, resulting in a draw. This particular bout garnered significant attention as it was a draw against an active DEEP Women's Lightweight Champion. Kubota then returned to shoot boxing, winning an extra-round decision against Misato Tomita on July 21, 2008.

Her second professional loss came in a rematch against Miku Matsumoto at the Shoot Boxing World Tournament 2008 on November 24, 2008, where Matsumoto secured a unanimous decision victory after extensively studying shoot boxing rules. Kubota then made her sole appearance in K-1 at K-1 Award & MAX Korea 2009 on March 20, 2009, losing to South Korean Muay Thai kickboxer Su Jeong Lim via an extra-round split decision in a highly anticipated "Japan-Korea beauty battle." On July 11, 2009, she debuted in the Jewels promotion in a shoot boxing match at Jewels 4th Ring, defeating Tomoko SP by decision. Following her TKO victory over Yukiko Seki via doctor stoppage in February 2008, where Seki suffered a left eye injury from a right high kick, Kubota officially changed her ring name to RENA.

2.1. Girls S-Cup Dominance

Kubota returned to shoot boxing and, at only 18 years old, won her first Girls S-Cup title at the 2009 Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cup on August 23, 2009. She defeated Masako Yoshida by decision, then secured a TKO victory against Saori Ishioka, and finally defeated Mei Yamaguchi by decision in the final to claim the tournament championship. After this victory, she continued her winning streak, defeating Japanese fighter Emi Fujino by TKO (doctor stoppage) on November 18, 2009, Australian Christina Jurjevic by decision on February 13, 2010, and Mika Nagai by decision in a rematch from their 2007 fight on June 6, 2010.

On August 29, 2010, Kubota participated in the 2010 Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cup, where she was scheduled to face kickboxing and MMA legend Hisae Watanabe. Their initial bout on April 11, 2010, was postponed due to Kubota breaking a finger. In their highly anticipated match, Kubota surprised many with her speed and aggressiveness, defeating Watanabe by TKO with a devastating knee to the body that left Watanabe in severe pain and unable to continue. Kubota then advanced to defeat American MMA fighter Kate Martinez by decision in the semi-final, followed by a decision victory over Ai Takahashi after two extra rounds in the final, securing her second consecutive Girls S-Cup title. She suffered an orbital bone fracture during the intense final against Takahashi.

Kubota entered the 2012 Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cup on August 25, 2012. Despite having a bolt still embedded in her right foot from a prior surgery, which required re-operation, she competed and defeated Kim Townsend, South Korean fighter Seo Hee Ham (in an extra round), and Mei Yamaguchi in succession, becoming the 2012 Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cup tournament champion for the third time.

She continued her Girls S-Cup success by participating in the 2014 Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cup tournament on August 2, 2014. She defeated Simone van Dommelen in the quarterfinals and Christina Jurjevic in the semifinals, both by unanimous decision. Kubota then won the tournament final with a second-round knockout of Thai fighter Thicha Rongrien Kila Korat, marking her third consecutive S-Cup title and fourth overall.

In 2016 and 2017, she continued her winning streak in the Girls S-Cup tournaments, further cementing her dominance. She won the 2016 Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cup by retaining her Flyweight Championship against Klaudia Pawicka and won a non-title bout against Jleana Valentino at Shoot Boxing Girl's S-Cup 2017 by unanimous decision, extending her Girls S-Cup tournament victories to six.

2.2. Shoot Boxing Women's Flyweight Championship

Kubota's dominance in the Shoot Boxing organization culminated in her capturing and defending the Shoot Boxing Women's Flyweight Championship. On August 21, 2015, at Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cup 2015, she fought Kane Chopirom for the vacant Shoot Boxing Women's Flyweight Championship. Kubota won the fight by a third-round technical knockout, stopping her opponent with a series of knees.

She made her first successful title defense against Klaudia Pawicka at Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cup 2016 on July 7, 2016. Kubota secured a third-round technical knockout victory after forcing Pawicka's corner to throw in the towel, mid-way through the round.

2.3. Notable Non-Title Bouts and Exhibition Matches

Beyond her championship pursuits, Kubota engaged in several high-profile non-title bouts and exhibition matches that garnered significant public attention and showcased her versatility.

On January 11, 2011, Kubota appeared on the pre-recorded TBS television program 美女アスリート総出演"炎の体育会TV2011"_{Bijo Asurīto Sōshutsuen Honō no Taiiku-Kai TV 2011}^Japanese (Beautiful Women Athletes Full Performance: TV 2011 Athletic Club of Fire), where she faced and defeated male comedians Yu Shinagawa, Hidetsugu Shibata, and Koji Imada in exhibition bouts. While the show averaged 11.8% in TV ratings, Kubota's appearance had the highest rating, reaching 16.8%, and her ring name became the second-highest searched keyword on Google Japan the following day.

On April 23, 2011, Kubota faced fellow Japanese fighter Erika Kamimura in an exhibition match at Shoot Boxing 2011 Act 2. This bout was arranged last-minute after her scheduled opponent, South Korean fighter Sun Young Kim, withdrew due to family concerns following the Great East Japan Earthquake. In a surprising turn, Kubota was knocked down once by Kamimura in a single three-minute round, leading to discussions among fans and pundits.

On June 5, 2011, Kubota challenged Ai Takahashi in a five-round title fight for the vacant Shoot Boxing Japanese Ladies title (50 kg) at Shoot Boxing 2011 Act 3. She was defeated by unanimous decision. Kubota later reflected on this loss, stating, "I learned then that if I get emotional, I lose. Everything falls apart if you lose your composure."

On August 19, 2011, at the 2011 Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cup, Kubota faced Thai fighter Zaza Sor. Aree in a non-tournament bout. Kubota secured a victory when she delivered a devastating punch to Sor. Aree's stomach in the second round, causing her to collapse and making her unable to continue the match. This marked the second time Kubota's powerful body attacks had incapacitated an opponent, the first being Hisae Watanabe.

Kubota then faced Bellator MMA veteran Jessica Penne in a shoot boxing match at Shoot Boxing 2011 Act 4 on September 10, 2011. In a considerable upset, Kubota was defeated by majority decision after two extension rounds.

On November 23, 2011, Kubota defeated Erika Kamimura by unanimous decision at Rise 85 to become the first Rise Queen champion. She vacated the Rise Queen title on July 23, 2013.

She continued her kickboxing career by defeating Taiwanese fighter Du Peiling via third-round KO at Shoot Boxing 2013: Act 2 on April 20, 2013, with a standing rear-naked choke. On August 3, 2013, she defeated Lorena Klijn by majority decision after an extension round at the 2013 Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cup Japan Midsummer Festival. At Shoot Boxing Battle Summit: Ground Zero Tokyo 2013 on November 16, 2013, Kubota defeated Maylee Won. Pomas by unanimous decision. On December 23, 2013, at Shoot Boxing 2013: Tomohiro Oikawa Retirement Event, she won by a first-round technical knockout against Yuri Kim. Kubota then defeated South Korean fighter Seo Hee Im by a first-round standing guillotine choke at Shoot Boxing 2014: Act 2 on April 18, 2014. On November 30, 2014, she defeated Isis Verbeek by unanimous decision at the 2014 Shoot Boxing World S-Cup. Her last fight in this period was against Elli Maria Ekström at No Kick, No Life 2015 on February 11, 2015, which she won by a second-round technical knockout.

Kubota's versatility extended to competing in RIZIN events under kickboxing rules. She made her RIZIN kickboxing debut at Rizin 1 on April 17, 2016, defeating Cyndi Alves by unanimous decision. Her next kickboxing bout was a non-title fight against Kinberly Novaes at Shoot Boxing World Tournament S-Cup 2016 on November 16, 2016, which she won by unanimous decision.

3.1. Transition to MMA and RIZIN Debut

In October 2015, Rena Kubota signed with RIZIN Fighting Federation, and her participation in their New Year's Eve event was announced, marking her debut in mixed martial arts. Initially, she was hesitant due to concerns about joint locks in MMA, stating, "Absolutely impossible!" However, she gradually changed her mind, realizing she hadn't pursued new challenges in recent years. She also believed that her involvement could help bring more attention to women's combat sports, deciding just before the press conference, "I have no choice but to do this."

During her training, on November 20, 2015, she suffered a periosteum injury to the base of her left middle and ring fingers, preventing her from clenching her fist and forcing her to withdraw from the GROUND ZERO TOKYO 2015 event scheduled for December 1. Despite the injury, she gradually recovered enough to compete in her RIZIN debut, albeit not in perfect condition.

Kubota made her mixed martial arts debut against fellow debutante Jleana Valentino at RIZIN World Grand-Prix 2015: Part 2 - Iza on December 31, 2015. After a challenging first round where she was somewhat pressured by Valentino's striking, Kubota secured a flying armbar in the second round, winning her MMA debut via submission. This fight was broadcast twice on Fuji TV, significantly boosting her public profile and career, transforming her life from needing part-time jobs to sustain herself.

3.2. RIZIN Women's Super Atomweight Grand Prix

Kubota's early success in MMA led to her participation in the 2017 RIZIN Super Atomweight Grand Prix. Her journey began with a quarterfinal bout against former King of the Cage Atomweight champion Andy Nguyen at RIZIN World Grand Prix 2017: Opening Round - Part 2 on October 15, 2017. Despite Nguyen missing weight by 8.8 oz ^{(250 g)}, the fight proceeded with penalties, and Kubota won by a first-round technical knockout with a liver punch, having consistently landed body shots throughout the fight.

Advancing to the semifinals, Kubota faced Irene Cabello Rivera at RIZIN World Grand-Prix 2017: Final Round on December 31, 2017. She secured another first-round technical knockout victory, dropping Rivera with a counter right hook after preventing a pull-guard attempt using the corner of the ring.

On the same day, she competed in the Grand Prix final against Kanna Asakura. In the early stages, Kubota successfully defended Asakura's takedown attempts. However, in the latter half of the first round, Asakura secured a takedown, transitioned to Kubota's back, and applied a rear-naked choke. Despite resisting without tapping, Kubota was rendered unconscious, resulting in her first MMA loss and ending her 25-fight winning streak. She finished as the tournament runner-up. Kubota later reflected, "I knew the choke was coming, but my body's reaction and response were slow. I was too careless and soft. But I gave it my all, so I think this loss is inevitable. Even though I didn't win the championship, I can proudly say that I did well in MMA with just a few years of experience." Her performance in the Grand Prix earned her a #7 ranking in Sherdog's women's atomweight rankings.

3.3. Post-Grand Prix Activities and Challenges

Following the Grand Prix, Kubota continued her MMA career with a mix of triumphs and setbacks, often battling injuries and challenging weight cuts.

On July 6, 2018, she fought Elaine Leal under MMA rules at Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cup ~48kg World Tournament 2018~. Leal missed weight by 2.8 lb ^{(1.25 kg)}, resulting in a yellow card penalty, but Kubota secured a unanimous decision victory.

A highly anticipated rematch with Kanna Asakura, the winner of the 2017 Grand Prix, took place at RIZIN 11 on July 29, 2018. Asakura once again outworked Kubota, winning by unanimous decision. After this second consecutive loss to Asakura, Kubota expressed a desire to step away from fighting temporarily, stating, "I want to take a break from martial arts for a bit. I want to return to being a normal woman for a while and refresh myself." However, she later announced her return on November 1, stating on her blog that she realized she had not yet "fulfilled herself as a fighter."

Kubota was scheduled to fight Samantha Jean-Francois at RIZIN 14 on December 31, 2018. However, she was forced to withdraw from the bout after collapsing during her weight cut the day before, suffering from severe anemia and dehydration. Despite her desire to compete, RIZIN management prioritized her safety and did not permit the fight. RIZIN compensated Jean-Francois for the cancellation. The fight was rescheduled for RIZIN 15 on April 21, 2019, where Kubota returned with a unanimous decision victory. A month after this win, she achieved her highest ranking, reaching #5 in Sherdog's women's atomweight rankings.

On June 14, 2019, Kubota faced Lindsey VanZandt at Bellator 222. She suffered her third MMA loss, being choked unconscious by a rear-naked choke in the first round. She was then scheduled to fight Shawna Ram at RIZIN 19 on October 12, 2019. However, Ram withdrew a week before the fight due to a concussion, and Alexandra Alvare stepped in as a last-minute replacement. Kubota quickly dispatched Alvare, securing a first-round knockout victory in just 20 seconds with a series of punches.

A rematch with Lindsey VanZandt was set for RIZIN 20 on December 31, 2019, just six months after their first encounter. Kubota avenged her previous loss, securing a third-round technical knockout victory via ground and pound with just 18 seconds remaining in the fight. She became emotional and shed tears in the ring, dedicating the victory to a deceased friend.

Kubota then moved up to the strawweight division for her next bout against former Jewels Strawweight Interim Champion Emi Tomimatsu at RIZIN 24 on September 27, 2020. She won the fight by unanimous decision. After the bout, she hinted at retiring in two or three more fights, but later retracted this statement, expressing a desire to retire only when she felt fully satisfied with her career.

On November 20, 2021, Kubota faced Miyuu Yamamoto for a second time at RIZIN 32, in a 110 lb ^{(50 kg)} catchweight bout. She won in the second round by TKO, catching Yamamoto with a knee during a takedown attempt and following up with punches. This marked another significant victory over the three-time world wrestling champion.

Kubota concluded 2021 by facing South Korean fighter Si Woo Park, ranked #2 in atomweight, at RIZIN 33 on December 31, 2021, in another 110 lb ^{(50 kg)} catchweight bout. She lost the close fight by unanimous decision.

On July 31, 2022, Kubota participated in the RIZIN Super Atomweight Grand Prix for the second time, facing IMMAF World Champion Anastasiya Svetkivska in the quarterfinals at RIZIN 37. She won the fight by unanimous decision, securing a knockdown in the first round. However, she was forced to withdraw from the tournament semifinals due to a left orbital bone fracture, with Svetkivska taking her place as an alternate.

Kubota returned to the RIZIN cage on April 29, 2023, facing Claire Lopez in a 112 lb ^{(51 kg)} catchweight bout at RIZIN Landmark 5. Despite a strong second half of the fight where she appeared to be gaining an advantage, Kubota suffered a surprising third-round submission loss via kneebar in the final moments of the fight. This resulted in significant injuries, including a partial tear of her right knee's lateral collateral ligament and fractures to the basal phalanges of her right thumb, index finger, and middle finger.

On March 23, 2024, Kubota faced former ROAD FC Atomweight champion Shim Yu-ri at RIZIN Landmark 9. After a close contest, she secured a unanimous decision victory. Most recently, on July 28, 2024, she competed at Super Rizin 3 against Kate Oyama, winning by second-round TKO due to a barrage of standing punches.

4.1. Media and Television Presence

Kubota has made numerous appearances across various media platforms, which have greatly contributed to her widespread public appeal and recognition beyond the fighting arena. Her television appearances include:

• Beautiful women athletes full performance: TV 2011 Athletic Club of Fire (TBS, January 11, 2011)
• Secret Arashi-chan! (TBS, May 5, 2011)
• Honoo-no Taiiku-kai TV (TBS, December 26, 2011, January 1, 2014)
• Buramayo no Shoshin Wasureru Bekarazu! (Asahi Broadcasting, January 4, 2012)
• GET SPORTS (TV Asahi, January 16, 2012)
• Motemote Ninety-Nine (TBS, February 14, 2012)
• NONFIX (Fuji TV, February 19, 2012)
• SASUKE (TBS, June 27, 2013)
• Nakai Masahiro no Chō Ichiryū Sports Senshu 20-nin ga Jibun de Sports-kai no Scoop Hanashi Chaimasu SP (TV Asahi, April 6, 2014)
• Nakai Masahiro no Mi ni Naru Toshokan (TV Asahi, April 8, 2014)
• Mirai no Tsukurikata (TV Tokyo, May 1, 2014)
• Going! Sports&News (Nippon TV, September 6, 2014)
• Tsūkai! Akashiya TV (MBS, November 3, 2014, September 25, 2017)
• Nakai no Mado (Nippon TV, August 6, 2014, January 28, 2015)
• Konya Kurabete Mimashita (Nippon TV, January 13, 2015)
• 1H Sense (Fuji TV, April 5, 2015)
• Onna no Karada Atari Search Bangumi Naze? Soko? (TV Asahi, July 23, 2015)
• Serina no Bijo to Ase Kakasete Itadakimasu (TV Tokyo, November 17, 2015, November 24, 2015, December 1, 2015)
• Ariyoshikun no Shōjiki Sanpo (Fuji TV, December 12, 2015)
• RIZIN FIGHTING WORLD GRAND-PRIX 2015 ~IZA no Mai~ (Fuji TV, December 31, 2015)
• Odoru! Sanma Goten!! (Nippon TV, March 8, 2016)
• VS Arashi (Fuji TV, March 10, 2016)
• All-Star Kanshasai (TBS, April 9, 2016)
• RIZIN.1 (Fuji TV, April 23, 2016)
• Ariyoshi Zemi (Nippon TV, July 11, 2016)
• RIZIN FIGHTING WORLD GRAND-PRIX 2016 ~Musabetsu-kyū Tournament Kaimaku-sen~ (Fuji TV, September 25, 2016)
• Chin Shumei No.1 wa Dareda!? Pyramid Derby (TBS, November 13, 2016)
• Sekai Marumie! TV Tokusōbu (Nippon TV, November 28, 2016, March 20, 2017, July 24, 2017)
• Kaerema Sunday (TV Asahi, December 11, 2016)
• Sports Jungle (Fuji TV, December 12, 2016, February 21, 2017, February 28, 2017)
• Premier no Sōkutsu (Fuji TV, December 19, 2016)
• RIZIN FIGHTING WORLD GRAND-PRIX 2016 2nd Round Final Round (Fuji TV, December 31, 2016)
• Warai × En (TV Asahi, January 5, 2017)
• 1 oku-nin no Dai Shitsumon!? Waratte Koraete! (Nippon TV, January 11, 2017)
• Kisumai Mileage (TV Asahi, January 24, 2017)
• Nanatsu no Umi wo Tanoshimō! Sekai Samaa~ Resort (TBS, January 28, 2017)
• Mayonaka Shōnin (Yomiuri TV, February 11, 2017)
• KUNOICHI (TBS, February 12, 2017, July 2, 2017)
• Pu-sma (TV Asahi, March 11, 2017)
• Tatakae! Sports Naikaku (MBS, March 15, 2017)
• PON! (Nippon TV, March 20, 2017)
• Chihara Junior no Hebereke (Tokai TV, March 24, 2017)
• The! Sekai Gyōten News (Nippon TV, April 4, 2017)
• Hirunandesu! (Nippon TV, April 6, 2017, August 24, 2017, November 16, 2017)
• Kaiketsu Emichan Neru (Kansai TV, April 14, 2017, November 17, 2017)
• RIZIN 2017 in YOKOHAMA -SAKURA- (Fuji TV, April 16, 2017)
• Sanvaryu Kaishin no Ichigeki ~Jibun de Erabu Jibun no Ichiban~ (Nippon TV, April 30, 2017)
• Suiyōbi no Downtown (TBS, May 10, 2017)
• Downtown DX (Nippon TV, June 1, 2017)
• Tokoton Horisage Tai! Ikimono ni Sankyu!! (TBS, June 7, 2017, December 19, 2017, June 6, 2018)
• Nep League (Fuji TV, June 12, 2017)
• Chotto Zawatsuku Image Chōsa Moshi ka Shite Zureteru? (Kansai TV, June 19, 2017)
• Shin Dōbutsu Kisōtengai! (TBS, July 1, 2017)
• Manten☆Aozora Restaurant (Nippon TV, July 15, 2017)
• Panther no "Keirin, Hajimemashita." (BS NTV, July 15, 22, 2017)
• Sainō Nōryoku Test (Fuji TV, July 25, 2017, October 24, 2017, January 30, 2018, July 24, 2018, August 7, 2018)
• Shitamachi Roke Variety Bangumi Asakusa Bebi 9 (TV Tokyo, August 21, 2017)
• Honmadekka!? TV (Fuji TV, August 23, 2017)
• Ittenmono! (TV Asahi, September 3, 2017)
• Murakami Shingo to Sports no Kamisama-tachi (Fuji TV, September 7, 2017)
• Garigeru (Yomiuri TV, September 23, September 30, October 7, 2017)
• Uwā! Damasareta Taishō (Nippon TV, October 2, 2017)
• The Gift (Nippon TV, October 2, 2017)
• Moshimo Tours (Fuji TV, October 7, 2017)
• Nichifami! RIZIN FIGHTING WORLD GRAND-PRIX 2017 (Fuji TV, October 15, 2017)
• Another Sky (Nippon TV, December 15, 2017)
• Ninki Geinōjin ni Itazura! Gyōten Happening 150 Renpatsu! (Fuji TV, December 28, 2017)
• RIZIN FIGHTING WORLD GRAND-PRIX 2017 (Fuji TV, December 31, 2017)
• Ariyoshi Hanseikai (Nippon TV, March 31, 2018)
• Samaa Sports (TV Tokyo, April 21, April 28, 2018)
• Watashi no Hatarakikata ~Nogizaka46 no Double Work Taiken!~ (Fuji TV, May 8, 2018)
• Pokémon no Ie Atsumaru? (TV Tokyo, June 3, 2018)
• Junk Sports (Fuji TV, July 8, 2018)
• RIZIN.11 [Century Rematch! RENA x Kanna Fully Live!] (Fuji TV, July 29, 2018)
• Geinōkai Tokugiō Ketteisen TEPPEN 2018 Aki no Jin (Fuji TV, September 29, 2018)
• Hakata Hanamaru no Morai Sake Minato Tabi 2 (TV Tokyo, October 8, October 15, 2018)
• Sentōchū ~Ōedo Kessen! Shinobi no Ran~ (Fuji TV, March 21, 2021)

She has also been featured in various magazines, including MEN'S NON-NO, GQ JAPAN, ELLE girl, smart, SPUR, MORE, HB Humming Birds, UOMO, Number Do, NYLON JAPAN, PEACE COMBAT, Weekly Playboy, FRIDAY, Weekly Young Jump, and Tarzan. Her radio appearances include SEASONS (J-WAVE), Raji★Gon (FM FUKUOKA), GOLD RUSH (J-WAVE), Gogo Raji! (NHK Radio), Ima Shun! Saturday Night (Nippon Broadcasting), and TOYOTA Athlete Beat (TOKYO FM).

4.2. Cultural Impact and "Tsuyokawa" Persona

Kubota is widely known for her "Tsuyokawa" (ツヨカワ_Tsuyokawa^Japanese, meaning "strong and cute") image, which has resonated deeply with the Japanese public. This persona, blending athletic strength with a charming and approachable demeanor, has been instrumental in expanding the appeal of women's combat sports in Japan. Her highly televised fights, particularly her RIZIN appearances which gained significant ratings, introduced mixed martial arts to a broader audience and inspired a new generation of female athletes.

Her consistent high rankings in prestigious international publications further underscore her impact. Sherdog ranked her as a top ten atomweight between October 18, 2017, and May 24, 2021, reaching a career-high of world rank 5 in 2019. Fight Matrix also ranked her as a top ten atomweight between July 1, 2017, and January 1, 2018, with a peak ranking of 9th in 2022. Combat Press ranked her as a top ten pound-for-pound kickboxer between November 2016 and June 2017, and again between August 2017 and May 2018. These rankings reflect her consistent performance and high regard in the global combat sports community, solidifying her legacy as a pioneering figure in the mainstream acceptance of women's fighting.

5.1. Kickboxing and Shoot Boxing Titles

• Shoot Boxing
  • 2009 Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cup winner
  • 2010 Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cup winner
  • 2012 Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cup winner
  • 2014 Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cup winner
  • 2016 Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cup winner
  • 2017 Shoot Boxing Girls S-Cup winner
  • Shoot Boxing Women's Flyweight Championship (one time, first champion)
• RISE
  • 2011 Rise Queen (106 lb ^{(48 kg)}) Champion (one time, first champion)

5.2. Mixed Martial Arts Achievements

• RIZIN Fighting Federation
  • 2017 RIZIN Women's Super Atomweight (108 lb ^{(49 kg)}) Grand Prix Runner-Up

5.3. Awards and Recognitions

• Jewels
  • 2009 Special Award (December 20, 2009)
• eFight.jp
  • Fighter of the Month: November 2011, December 2015, November 2021

6.1. Mixed Martial Arts Record

6.2. Kickboxing and Shoot Boxing Record

7.1. Positive Impact and Contributions

Kubota is widely regarded as a pioneering figure who significantly contributed to the development and popularization of women's combat sports, especially in Japan. Her impressive record, including her multiple Girls S-Cup victories and her Shoot Boxing and Rise Queen titles, showcased her exceptional striking skills and fighting spirit. Her transition to MMA and subsequent success in RIZIN, where she reached the finals of the Super Atomweight Grand Prix, elevated her to international prominence and drew new eyes to the sport.

Her "Tsuyokawa" (strong and cute) persona played a crucial role in making female fighters more appealing to a broader audience, breaking down traditional barriers and attracting fans who might not have previously followed combat sports. Her regular appearances on mainstream television shows, which often achieved high ratings, further amplified her reach and transformed her from a niche combat athlete into a national celebrity. Through her performances and public image, Kubota demonstrated that female fighters could be both fierce competitors and marketable personalities, thereby increasing the visibility and popularity of women's fighting in a male-dominated industry. Her impact is seen in the increased opportunities and attention given to female fighters in Japanese promotions, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer.

7.2. Challenges and Criticisms

Throughout her career, Kubota faced notable challenges and some criticism, primarily stemming from performance issues, injuries, and weight management. Her losses, particularly her two defeats to Kanna Asakura in MMA, were significant setbacks that tested her resilience. The first loss to Asakura ended her impressive 25-fight win streak, and the emotional toll of these defeats sometimes led her to consider stepping away from the sport, as she articulated after her second loss to Asakura, expressing a desire to return to a "normal woman" life.

Weight cutting proved to be a persistent challenge for Kubota, most notably leading to her withdrawal from RIZIN 14 on December 31, 2018, due to severe anemia and dehydration. This incident highlighted the demanding nature of weight management in combat sports and the personal toll it can take on athletes.

Furthermore, Kubota endured several significant injuries throughout her career, including a broken finger early on, an orbital bone fracture during the 2010 Girls S-Cup, and a knee injury and multiple toe fractures from her fight against Claire Lopez in 2023. These injuries forced her to withdraw from major tournaments and required extensive recovery periods, impacting her competitive schedule and performance. Despite these physical and mental hurdles, Kubota consistently demonstrated resilience by returning to the ring and cage, showcasing her unwavering commitment to the sport.