Dakota Ditcheva: Chasing an Unlikely Record

Dakota Ditcheva is dismissing the skeptics and aiming for an ambitious record in mixed martial arts. At just 26, she became the youngest champion in PFL history in 2024 and is set to return to the ring on July 19 following her impressive $1 million tournament victory.

In her upcoming match, Ditcheva will face Sumiko Inaba in a women’s flyweight fight, which is part of the co-main event at PFL’s inaugural visit to the GrandWest Arena in Cape Town, South Africa. The headline fight features Johnny Eblen against Costello van Steenis, while A.J. McKee takes on Akhmed Magomedov in his first match since his split decision loss to Paul Hughes in 2024.

“It’s going to be a really good matchup,” Ditcheva shared with Uncrowned ahead of her first fight in seven months. “Inaba has proven herself, and I’m taking this seriously.”

Beyond her immediate fight ambitions, Ditcheva aspires to achieve a legacy similar to that of Khabib Nurmagomedov or Floyd Mayweather, aiming to retire undefeated at the pinnacle of the sport. Nurmagomedov ended his remarkable career at 29-0, while Mayweather finished with a flawless 50-0 record, amassing significant wealth along the way.

“People say there will always be someone to beat you, but why accept that?” Ditcheva questioned. “It’s not the mindset I have.” Unbeaten at 14-0 with 13 finishes (12 knockouts and one submission), her only fight to go the distance was over three years ago.

With her recent performances, including a notable victory against Taila Santos, Ditcheva is positioned as one of PFL’s standout athletes. Speculations of a future clash with UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko are already making waves.

Ultimately, Ditcheva aims to reclaim her PFL flyweight belt by the end of the year, emphasizing her determination to maintain her unbeaten streak. “I want to be busy and get my belt back. That’s my belt,” she stated, confidently anticipating success against Inaba and further asserting her place in mixed martial arts.