Dakota Ditcheva admits boos bothered her despite win over Denise Kielholtz
The PFL champion earned a unanimous decision victory but admitted she wanted to deliver a more exciting performance for the fans.
Dakota Ditcheva got the win she wanted against Denise Kielholtz at PFL New York last Friday, but the British fighter was not completely satisfied with her performance. Following a little over a year-long layoff due to hand injuries, "Dangerous" entered the fight as the heavy favorite and was able to secure a unanimous decision victory. Despite the win, fans booed the fight and Ditcheva admitted the situation bothered her, although she also acknowledged that winning had to remain her priority.
Dakota Ditcheva Wanted a Stoppage
Known for her high-volume and explosive striking, Ditcheva was not able to impose her game and achieve victory the way she expected. Although she won a dominant decision, the British fighter was aiming for an impressive performance that would end in a finish. Speaking at her post-fight press conference, "Dangerous" also admitted she was bothered by the crowd reaction.
"It bothered me," Ditcheva began. "Only because I'm passionate about the work I do, and I wanted a stoppage myself. But at the same time, words from my brother and my coach will be, always, 'We don't care about what anybody else thinks.' It's me in there fighting. I'm the one that's in there to only kind of think about the boos for one second and get knocked out."
Despite being bothered by the reaction, Ditcheva understood why the crowd wanted more from the fight. However, the British fighter also knows that trying to entertain the fans cannot come at the expense of doing what she believes is necessary to win.
Dakota Ditcheva Focused on Winning
Although Ditcheva was not totally satisfied with her performance, she made it clear that the priority was to win. According to the British fighter, she always tries to put on a show for the fans, but only if it doesn't compromise her strategy to emerge victorious.
"So for me, it's like, I don't want them to boo, because I want to be exciting and entertaining for you guys, but at the same time, I'm in there fighting," Ditcheva said. "I'm not in there, like, performing a dance. So, I have to do what's right for me to get the win and come out on top, and that's what I did today."
Ditcheva ultimately did what she set out to do, improving her professional record to 16-0 with another victory. While the boos may have bothered her, the PFL champion made it clear that she will prioritize winning over pleasing the crowd when the two goals come into conflict.
