PFL Highlights Stars in Cape Town
The PFL showcased its top talents during its debut event in Cape Town, South Africa this past weekend, featuring the rising pound-for-pound star Dakota Ditcheva.
Ditcheva’s Impressive Comeback
After a lengthy eight-month hiatus, Ditcheva returned to the cage, winning decisively by unanimous decision against Sumiko Inaba, improving her record to an impressive 15-0. During her time off since November, she expressed frustration over inactivity, which ultimately led to her securing the fight with Inaba. Following her victory, Ditcheva announced that she had signed a new contract with PFL.
Future Plans with PFL
In a conversation on Uncrowned’s “The Ariel Helwani Show,” Ditcheva discussed her goals with the organization. “I’m happy to have secured my future until 2027, and I’m eager to contribute to building the division,” she stated. She emphasized that while winning is her priority, she is also committed to challenging other fighters regardless of title status.
Injury Concerns
Despite her triumphant return, Ditcheva’s fight ended on a disappointing note as she suffered a broken left hand during the third round. She underwent surgery soon after, hindering her ability to remain active for the time being.
Negotiations and Future Activity
Ditcheva’s contract negotiations took longer due to her insistence on receiving fair treatment after her strong performance in the 2024 PFL flyweight tournament. “I made it clear that I wouldn’t settle for less,” she explained, expressing the necessity for more active fight schedules in her contract.
Acknowledging Frustrations
While Ditcheva experienced frustration during the lengthy negotiation process, she aimed to address issues privately with PFL. “I wanted to remain professional. It felt better to resolve matters behind closed doors,” she shared, although her public comments did lead to a quick fight announcement shortly after.
Looking Ahead
With her new contract, Ditcheva will have guaranteed fights leading up to 2027, allowing her to stay active post-recovery. She hinted at possible surprises in her future, stating, “In the next two years, anything can happen; don’t write me off.” Her optimism suggests a dynamic path ahead, both within and potentially outside the MMA sphere.
