Dakota Ditcheva seized the spotlight in Nashville.
Before Friday’s PFL 7 fight card, the undefeated 26-year-old remarked about her women’s flyweight semifinal opponent, Jena Bishop, “I’m sure she’ll be eager to face me and try to derail my hype train, but I’m not convinced she’s the one to do it.”
Indeed, Bishop was not.
With her first-round stoppage of Bishop, Ditcheva advanced to the finals of the 2024 PFL women’s flyweight playoffs, where she will face former UFC title challenger Talia Santos. Santos secured her spot in the final with a decision victory over Bellator flyweight champion Liz Carmouche. The winner of their bout will claim the $1 million tournament prize.
Dakota Ditcheva
Ditcheva claimed the 2023 PFL Europe women’s flyweight tournament title. That victory, along with her nine stoppage wins in ten professional fights, catapulted her into the limelight among MMA fans. Transitioning to the main PFL roster in 2024, Ditcheva continued to shine with three first-round knockout victories. The only challenge she encountered in these bouts was a takedown by Bishop early in their contest.
Ditcheva quickly rebounded from her brief time on the mat by delivering a knee to Bishop’s body, followed by a knee to the head that sent Bishop crashing down. A subsequent body kick and a punch to the head floored Bishop again, ending the fight at 3:54 of the first round.
Jena Bishop
After her victory, Ditcheva silenced her critics with a gesture, putting her finger to her lips and miming the chatter of her doubters.
When asked if her undefeated streak was bothering people, Ditcheva confirmed, “It’s irritating a lot of people. Jena and her entire team, those mean girls, have been tagging me in stories throughout the tournament. Now she’ll just join the list of cans, so take a seat.”
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Regarding her upcoming bout, Ditcheva said of Santos, “Another one who likes to talk, but she’s a very tough girl who has proven herself. I’m looking forward to it. This is a fight that many people have been wanting to see, so I’ll be there to put on a show, and it’s not going to be another boring three-rounder, that’s for sure.”
With her victory on Friday, Ditcheva improved to 13-0 with 12 finishes. There has been speculation about her receiving favorable matchmaking during her rise. Nonetheless, she has capitalized on her opportunities, dismantling her opponents with ease and collecting highlight-reel finishes.
The talk of uneven matchmaking will cease when she faces Santos, as will all questions about Ditcheva’s prowess as a fighter. Fans should be sure to catch Ditcheva vs. Santos when it takes place.
