Dakota Ditcheva Secures PFL Flyweight Title with Ruthless Body Shot TKO

Dakota Ditcheva

Dakota Ditcheva cemented her place as one of the sport's brightest prospects, delivering a statement-making victory over former UFC title challenger Taila Santos at the 2024 PFL World Championships. In the co-main event on Friday, Ditcheva showcased her evolving skills and brutal precision to claim the flyweight championship emphatically.

From the opening bell, Ditcheva wasted no time asserting her dominance. She kept Santos on the back foot with relentless leg kicks, setting the tone for a performance that would leave no doubt about her superiority. As the fight progressed, the 25-year-old Brit unleashed a devastating combination of knees and elbows, battering Santos at every opportunity.

The decisive moment came at 4:41 of Round 2 when Ditcheva landed a sharp elbow followed by a perfectly placed left to the body, folding Santos. The referee quickly intervened as Ditcheva delivered a few follow-up shots, sealing the victory with a spectacular TKO finish.

“She’s a tough girl, but I knew what I was capable of,” Ditcheva said.

Referring to Santos' earlier comments, she added,

“She’s been saying ‘she’s just a Barbie, she should be a model.’ Well, a model just beat your ass in Round 2, so shut up.”

The win marked Ditcheva’s fourth consecutive knockout in 2024, with Santos being the only opponent to survive beyond the first round. Her clinical dismantling of the former UFC contender underscored her rapid ascent in the division and solidified her reputation as an elite flyweight.

Despite Santos’ attempts to neutralize the aggression with wrestling, Ditcheva remained undeterred, dictating the pace and executing her game plan with ruthless efficiency. By the second round, she was picking her shots with precision, leaving Santos with no path to recovery.

Ditcheva's championship victory not only highlights her potential but also positions her as a marquee talent for PFL heading into 2025. With her star on the rise, the promotion now faces the challenge of finding worthy competition for their newly crowned flyweight queen.