Dakota Ditcheva achieved a significant milestone in her MMA career by winning her first PFL championship and becoming the first fighter to finish Taila Santos, while expressing gratitude for PFL’s role in her development and leaving the door open for potential future fights in the UFC.
Dakota Ditcheva made waves by clinching her first PFL championship, marking a pivotal moment in her career. She became the first to finish Taila Santos, a feat that speaks volumes.
Facing a former UFC title challenger like Santos was a true test of Ditcheva’s prowess among elite flyweights. The 26-year-old Brit dominated from the start, landing a brutal body punch in the second round to seal her victory.
Ditcheva reflected on her win, suggesting Santos underestimated her. “She called me ‘just a Barbie’ throughout the tournament,” Ditcheva shared with MMA Fighting. “I respected every opponent, whether they were from the UFC or not.”
The fight revealed surprises for Santos as Ditcheva’s strikes visibly affected her. “Her reaction to my first leg kick said it all,” Ditcheva noted. “Underestimating me was a mistake at her level.”
With an impressive 14-0 record and only one decision fight, Ditcheva’s rise seems unstoppable. She’s poised to become a leading figure in PFL and among top flyweights globally.
Her knockout victory over Santos has undoubtedly boosted her ranking at 125 pounds. But how high should she climb? Despite her success, Ditcheva still sees Valentina Shevchenko as the top flyweight.
“Valentina Shevchenko is 100% No. 1,” Ditcheva declared, acknowledging the reigning UFC champion’s long-standing dominance. “Though some say she’s declining, she’s been unbeatable for years.”
Alexa Grasso managed a win against Shevchenko, yet Ditcheva believes Shevchenko remains unmatched in versatility. “She’s not just a striker or grappler; she’s everything,” Ditcheva praised.
Despite ranking Shevchenko at the top, Ditcheva is confident in her own abilities against anyone in the division. “I know my work ethic,” she asserted. “I’m relentless in training and ready for any challenge.”
After dominating the 2024 PFL season, Ditcheva looks forward to tougher competition next year. This raises questions about potential fights in other promotions like the UFC.
The UFC is undeniably a giant in MMA discussions surrounding Ditcheva’s future are inevitable. Yet, she remains loyal to PFL, where she rose from a 5-0 prospect to champion with a million-dollar payday.
Ditcheva isn’t ruling out a future in the UFC but emphasizes her gratitude towards PFL’s role in her career. “PFL deserves respect,” she said. “They’ve helped me build my following and provided incredible opportunities.”
While she understands the intrigue around UFC possibilities, Ditcheva appreciates what PFL has done for her. “There’s still much to achieve with PFL, and I’m grateful for my position,” she concluded.