Undefeated Russian prospect, Viktoria Dudakova is seemingly getting closer to her UFC debut. At 24, Dudakova holds a record of 6-0 with five finishes, the latest of which came on Dana White‘s Contender Series back in August. Since then, however, she suffered a knee injury which has kept her out of action. We take a look at Dudakova and give a hint as to who she should face next.
Strawweight Domination
Dudakova made a name for herself on the amateur scene, amassing a record of 6-0. Competing in the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) tournament at flyweight back in 2019, she picked up a Bronze medal. She wasn’t able to make weight later on in the year, however, and had to withdraw from another final. She did still become a European Champion in 2019.
She made her pro debut in September of 2020, finishing her opponent via armbar on a Fight Nights Global card. Dudakova then got back-to-back rear-naked choke victories before securing a doctor’s stoppage. This was then followed by yet another rear naked choke submission for the young Russian, something that is seemingly her ‘go-to’ submission.
Next came her big break on Dana White’s Contender Series. At 23 years old, she took on Brazil’s Maria Silva. She was on the front foot from minute one, looking to walk her opponent down and seemingly having no respect for the power coming back at her. Within the first 15 seconds Dudakova looked to get her opponent into her wheelhouse, the ground and she did just that.
The second round was a close one, however, towards the end of the round, Dudakova blew her knee out, instantly falling to the floor. Entering the third round, she needed a big one but knew that she was compromised. Amazingly, she was able to control Silva for 4:45 of the final phase, earning herself a 29-28 victory on all cards. It was later confirmed that she tore her ACL during the fight, making her victory that much better. She was awarded a contract from White and was confirmed as a member of the UFC roster.
UFC contract winner Viktoriia Dudakova had successful surgery to repair her ACL. pic.twitter.com/EIB6n43D8T
— Alex Behunin (@AlexBehunin) September 15, 2022
Who’s next?
It all depends how the UFC wants to build Dudakova. They could give her favourable match-ups if they want her to be a star. Jinh Yu Frey makes for a competitive match-up. Frey is UFC tested having had six promotional bouts in two years. A fight against Montserrat Ruiz could also make for an interesting grappling match. Ruiz is 1-1 in the UFC and hasn’t competed since July of 2021.
Na Liang also makes some sense. Liang is 0-2 with the UFC, however, is far more experienced than Dudakova which could make for a competitive match-up.
At just 24, there is no need to rush the Russian so we could see her face a fellow debutant on her debut. What we hope for, however, is a return soon for the undefeated prospect.
