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Dakota Ditcheva has solidified her status as one of the most formidable flyweights in MMA. Her victory in the PFL championship was nothing short of groundbreaking, capped off by a devastating body shot that stopped former UFC title challenger Taila Santos in the second round. This dominant performance not only secured her first championship but also cemented her as a rising star in the division.
Reflecting on the fight, Ditcheva said,
“I think she probably underestimated me a little bit. She’s been calling me a Barbie throughout the tournament, saying she’s on a different level. But I respected every girl in this competition, UFC experience or not.”
Ditcheva’s calculated aggression left no doubt about her capabilities.
“As soon as I landed the first inside leg kick, I saw her face change,” Ditcheva explained. “Every shot I hit her with was hurting, and I think she realized she had misjudged me. At her level, that’s a mistake I didn’t expect.”
At just 26, Ditcheva boasts a flawless 14-0 record, with only one fight going the distance. Her recent triumph over Santos — who previously pushed elite fighters like Valentina Shevchenko and Liz Carmouche to their limits — underscores her readiness to be considered among the sport’s best flyweights.
But when asked to name the top flyweight in MMA, Ditcheva didn’t hesitate.
“Valentina Shevchenko. 100 percent. She’s the first to finish the rubies on a belt and has stayed at the top for so long. People say she’s declining, but she’s older now and still performing at an elite level. No one’s wiped her out, and that says everything.”
As for constant questions about a potential move to the UFC, Ditcheva remains unfazed. Her current focus is on continuing her dominance in the PFL while carving out her legacy.
The debate over whether Ditcheva should step into the UFC spotlight is ongoing, but with performances like this, she’s proving that the PFL has its own flyweight superstar.
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