Dakota Ditcheva is now one of the best flyweight competitors on planet Earth. In just three short years since beginning her professional career back in 2021, Ditcheva has just won her first ever major world title at the PFL 2024 Championships. In the show’s co-main event, she went up against her stiffest test to date in the form of one-time UFC title challenger Talia Santos.
Absolutely steamrolling her way through the other fighters in the tournament, Ditcheva entered this year’s season as a must-watch contender after winning the 2023 PFL Europe Women’s Flyweight Tournament. Possessing an almost 100 percent finish rate, the world-class Muay Thai standout crushed her first three opponents all inside the first round, knocking them all out in just over three minutes each.
NASHVILLE, TN – AUGUST 02: Dakota Ditcheva throws a punch against Jena Bishop during the PFL 2024 Playoffs at the Municipal Auditorium on August 2, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Since signing with the PFL this year, UFC alum Santos appeared to be a favorite to win the entire competition. Kicking off her run with a first round submission over Ilara Joanne, the Brazilian ran into her first taste of adversity when she just scraped by in a split decision win against Jena Bishop in her second trip to the Smart Cage. She then would lock in her place in the end of the year’s finale when she conquered the veteran Liz Carmouche by unanimous decision, who currently stands as the Bellator Flyweight Champion with three title defenses.
NASHVILLE, TN – AUGUST 02: Taila Santos works for a submission against Liz Carmouche during the PFL 2024 Playoffs at the Municipal Auditorium on August 2, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Although Santos had a major advantage in experience, having amassed exactly double the bouts Ditcheva had at the time of their encounter, it was the “Dangerous” Englishwoman who appeared to be far-and-away the better fighter. Showcasing her next-level kickboxing, Ditcheva punished at range and in the pocket, repeatedly tagging her with several flurries of strikes to the body and front kicks to the head. As the contest wore on, Santos seemed to become more and more intimidated by her younger adversary, who found little difficulty in pushing her to the cage. Then, by the end of round number two, the European found her mark with a devastating knee to the midsection that folded the Brazilian, and after delivering two more punches to the lower abdomen, the referee stepped in to finally end the fight.
In complete dominant fashion, Ditcheva has secured her second ever PFL championship victory, and elevated her to becoming one of the top women’s 125-lb athletes in the world. While her record may not be as accredited or substantial compared to some of the more grizzled veterans in the division, she has shown to be capable of fighting like an individual well beyond her years.
SAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 04: Dakota Ditcheva celebrates after defeating Lisa Mauldin during PFL 2024 week 1 at the Boeing Center at Tech Port on April 4, 2024 in San Antonio. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Heading into 2025, Ditcheva will undoubtedly be a heavy favorite to claim gold again in next year’s PFL flyweight tournament. There is also the possibility of being paired up for one or more high-profile super fights against other top-notch women’s competitors, should the company continue to promote their Super Fights Division. Regardless of who she locks horns with, or whichever belt she is competing for, Ditcheva will end 2024 as a burgeoning star in the sport of mixed martial arts.
