Undefeated prospect Dakota Ditcheva eyes significant opportunities in the upcoming PFL women’s flyweight season.
After clinching the PFL Europe crown in 2023, Ditcheva takes a major step forward in her career on April 4 as she enters the eight-woman flyweight season at 2024 PFL 1.
Dakota Ditcheva Eyes on the Big Prize for 2024 PFL Season
During her PFL MMA debut at PFL 9 in London, Ditcheva won by TKO in the first round over Hassana Gaber. At the PFL 10 preliminary card, she notched another first-round knockout against Katherine Corogenes, marking her sixth professional career knockout win.
In the inaugural PFL Europe season on March 25, 2023, at PFL Europe 1, Ditcheva faced Malin Hermansson and won via rear-naked choke in the first round.
Moving forward to PFL Europe 3 on September 30, 2023, Ditcheva defeated Cornelia Holm with a third-round KO via body punch in the semifinals.
In the Women’s Flyweight final at PFL Europe 4 on December 8, 2023, Ditcheva faced Valentina Scatizzi and secured a TKO victory between the first and second rounds after the cage-side doctor deemed Scatizzi’s eye too swollen to continue.
Ditcheva Talks Upcoming Season
Ditcheva’s first regular-season bout is against Lisa Mauldin at the Boeing Center in San Antonio, Texas (ESPN2, ESPN+). The lineup also features Bellator champ Liz Carmouche, former titleholder Juliana Velasquez, former UFC title challenger Taila Santos, and others.
Ditcheva told MMA Junkie
“I’m here to win it. I feel like I’m at that level, and I will be. When I get in that cage, I will be ready to fight and bring home the win every time. They might be putting me into the fire, but they’re also putting other girls into the fire because I’m in it, as well. I see it both ways. They’re not coming into the tournament with an easy fight, because you’re never going to get that from me.”
With her experience in the PFL Europe season format, Ditcheva feels more prepared for this challenge, where the victor earns a $1 million prize. While she’s mindful not to overlook any steps, Ditcheva recognizes the significant opportunity ahead.
Depending on the matchups during the season, Ditcheva, 25, aims to bolster her resume by facing notable opponents like Carmouche or Santos in the finale.
“I think it will only be right that we fight each other at the end,” Ditcheva said. “I’m excited to maybe get matched up with them, but at the same time I’m not thinking about it too much because they still have to get through their rounds, as well. We’ll see what happens.”
However, Ditcheva understands that her focus must be on starting the season strong to secure a spot in the finals later this year. She acknowledges the various factors in a PFL season and directs her efforts towards controlling her performances inside the cage.
“I never go into a fight expecting a certain stoppage. I’m always ready to get three rounds out of it. I’m sure we’ll get some more finishes. That’s just kind of what comes with me. I’m one of those fighters that will go in for the kill.”
