PFL Europe Finals: Dakota Ditcheva Attributes Her Knockout Skills to Her Mother’s Genetic Influence

Since her debut in the PFL last year, Dakota Ditcheva has consistently ended her bouts with knockouts, making her a formidable force in the ring.

There’s a growing anticipation among spectators whenever Ditcheva, a 25-year-old British flyweight, enters the fight. Her track record in women’s MMA is impressive, boasting seven knockouts in nine matches, with a remarkable five in the opening round.

Her knack for knockouts is rare among female fighters, aligning her with MMA icons like Amanda Nunes and Cris Cyborg. Both Nunes and Cyborg had six stoppages in their initial nine fights, a testament to their prowess.

In her most recent match in September, Ditcheva, previously a Muay Thai champion in Britain, demonstrated her elite striking ability. She overpowered Cornelia Holm with a piercing left jab to the body, leaving Holm in agony on the mat. This victory propelled Ditcheva to the PFL Europe finals, where she’ll face Valentina Scatizzi from Italy at Dublin’s 3Arena this Friday. A hefty prize of $100,000 (£79,000) awaits the winner.

Ditcheva’s reputation as a likely victor stems from her high rate of finishing fights. She credits this trait to her mother, Lisa Howarth, a former kickboxing world champion and a vital part of her coaching team.

Ditcheva acknowledges the fighting prowess she inherited from her mother. “The hype around me is because of my knockout victories, which are rare among female fighters. My mother’s training in striking from the beginning is a big part of my success, and I’m grateful to still have her guidance,” she says.

After her triumph over Holm, Ditcheva, a Manchester City enthusiast, celebrated by mimicking footballer Erling Haaland’s signature meditation pose.

Ditcheva reflected, “While I’m not overly obsessed with achieving knockouts, they do create media buzz and fan excitement. I considered it during my last fight, but I let things unfold naturally.”

An exciting addition to Ditcheva’s upcoming bout in Dublin is the presence of her grandmother, attending her first live fight. “My grandma never watched my mother compete. It’s important for me to win this for her, though I’m slightly anxious about her reaction to the intensity of the fight,” Ditcheva shared.

Ditcheva, who has achieved eight stoppages in nine fights, remains focused on staying active in the ring.

Originally, winners of the PFL Europe finals were to advance to the global tournament with a $1 million prize. However, PFL’s recent acquisition of Bellator has left Ditcheva uncertain about her future in the organization.

Ditcheva remains focused on winning the current championship, though she is open to whatever direction the organization takes her. “Winning this belt is my priority. Whether I join the tournament or have direct fights, as long as I’m competing next year, I’m content,” she states.

The event will also feature London’s Simeon Powell against Jakob Nedoh in the light-heavyweight final, Frans Mlambo of Ireland against Khurshed Kakhorov for the bantamweight title, and fellow Irishman John Mitchell battling Jakub Kaszuba for the lightweight championship.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dakota Ditcheva PFL Europe

More about Dakota Ditcheva PFL Europe

• Dakota Ditcheva’s MMA Profile
• PFL Europe Tournament Overview
• Women’s MMA Knockout Records
• Manchester City and MMA Crossover
• PFL and Bellator Acquisition News
• Flyweight Division in MMA