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Dakota Ditcheva is ready for her next big test. After a flawless run through the 2024 PFL women’s flyweight season, culminating in a commanding victory over former UFC title challenger Taila Santos, Ditcheva is now setting her sights on even bigger challenges in 2025.
The 29-year-old English fighter solidified her place as a top contender by securing the PFL flyweight title and the accompanying $1 million prize. Ditcheva (14-0) steamrolled through the competition, finishing Lisa Mauldin, Chelsea Hackett, and Jena Bishop in the first round before her dominant performance against Santos in the finals. Her success has silenced critics who questioned her abilities due to her earlier fights against less-established opponents.
Reflecting on her victory over Santos, Ditcheva shared her thoughts on gaining respect as a fighter.
“I knew who I was up against, and it was a very exciting matchup for me,” she told MMA Junkie Radio. “I feel like I’ve gained a lot of respect from people now, which is nice. I’m not asking people to be singing and dancing, but people are definitely taking me seriously as a fighter now.”
With her stock soaring, Ditcheva is eager to see how the PFL will structure its women’s flyweight division moving forward. While the promotion has yet to announce its plans for 2025, the rising star hopes for fresh opportunities to push her limits.
“I don’t want to be fighting the same people,” Ditcheva explained. “Realistically, I don’t feel like that would be a good thing for them to do. It’s got to be like someone better, a bigger challenge. If you put me in another season again, another tournament, that’s going to be where my head goes, but I need something that’s going to mentally push me.”
Ditcheva’s rise has captured the attention of fans and the PFL alike, and her journey toward even greater competition could position her as one of the top names in women’s MMA in 2025.