Tag: dakota ditcheva

PFL Star Dakota Ditcheva Offers Empowering Support to Tatiana Suarez Following UFC 312 Loss

PFL Star Dakota Ditcheva Offers Empowering Support to Tatiana Suarez Following UFC 312 LossBreakout PFL fighter Dakota Ditcheva offered some words of encouragement to Tatiana Suarez after the UFC star suffered her…

PFL Star Dakota Ditcheva Offers Empowering Support to Tatiana Suarez Following UFC 312 Loss

Breakout PFL fighter Dakota Ditcheva offered some words of encouragement to Tatiana Suarez after the UFC star suffered her first career loss.

After starting her career with a perfect 10-0 record, Suarez was favored to leave UFC 312 with championship gold wrapped around her waist. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be. Through five rounds, reigning strawweight queen Zhang Weili stifled Suarez’s wrestle-heavy attack and secured a decisive decision victory over the Covina, California native in the evening’s co-main event.

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Days later, Suarez would finally break her silence. She released a statement on social media addressing the devastating defeat as well as offering fans a glimpse at the nasty knee injury she suffered early on in her title fight against Zhang.

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Dakota Ditcheva believes ‘more greatness’ is to come in tatiana Suarez’s MMA career

Suarez’s comments on Instagram received a flood of support from fighters and fans alike, including 2024 PFL flyweight champion Dakota Ditcheva.

“Born for this. Just another chapter in your book. More greatness to come,” Ditcheva wrote before ending her message with a heart emoji.

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Also offering support to Suarez was her fiancée and reigning Bellator bantamweight champion Patchy Mix, who was in her corner at UFC 312.

Patchy Mix def. Magomed Magomedov Bellator Champions Series Paris 86 e1715989781623

“Your work ethic and determination is admirable! Your loyalty to helping teammates and uplifting the ones around you to be better is inspiring,” Mix wrote on Instagram. “You do this by being a leader at all times even when no one’s looking. Circumstances limited you from showing how great you are, but we all know what you’re capable of. Saturday wasn’t our night but once you’re healthy no doubt you will rise again.”

“The motto remains the same ‘what will be your legacy’ and this will be something we can tell both our children and Miara one day. You are beautiful strong resilient and I am so proud of you @tatianasuarezufc!!! we all are. I promise this will make you stronger and a much more dangerous competitor”

PFL Star Dakota Ditcheva Offers Empowering Support to Tatiana Suarez Following UFC 312 Loss

PFL Star Dakota Ditcheva Offers Empowering Support to Tatiana Suarez Following UFC 312 LossBreakout PFL fighter Dakota Ditcheva offered some words of encouragement to Tatiana Suarez after the UFC star suffered her…

PFL Star Dakota Ditcheva Offers Empowering Support to Tatiana Suarez Following UFC 312 Loss

Breakout PFL fighter Dakota Ditcheva offered some words of encouragement to Tatiana Suarez after the UFC star suffered her first career loss.

After starting her career with a perfect 10-0 record, Suarez was favored to leave UFC 312 with championship gold wrapped around her waist. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be. Through five rounds, reigning strawweight queen Zhang Weili stifled Suarez’s wrestle-heavy attack and secured a decisive decision victory over the Covina, California native in the evening’s co-main event.

gettyimages 2198484901 612x612 1

Days later, Suarez would finally break her silence. She released a statement on social media addressing the devastating defeat as well as offering fans a glimpse at the nasty knee injury she suffered early on in her title fight against Zhang.

Screenshot 2025 02 11 at 3.59.16 PM.0 1 1

Dakota Ditcheva believes ‘more greatness’ is to come in tatiana Suarez’s MMA career

Suarez’s comments on Instagram received a flood of support from fighters and fans alike, including 2024 PFL flyweight champion Dakota Ditcheva.

“Born for this. Just another chapter in your book. More greatness to come,” Ditcheva wrote before ending her message with a heart emoji.

image 9

Also offering support to Suarez was her fiancée and reigning Bellator bantamweight champion Patchy Mix, who was in her corner at UFC 312.

Patchy Mix def. Magomed Magomedov Bellator Champions Series Paris 86 e1715989781623

“Your work ethic and determination is admirable! Your loyalty to helping teammates and uplifting the ones around you to be better is inspiring,” Mix wrote on Instagram. “You do this by being a leader at all times even when no one’s looking. Circumstances limited you from showing how great you are, but we all know what you’re capable of. Saturday wasn’t our night but once you’re healthy no doubt you will rise again.”

“The motto remains the same ‘what will be your legacy’ and this will be something we can tell both our children and Miara one day. You are beautiful strong resilient and I am so proud of you @tatianasuarezufc!!! we all are. I promise this will make you stronger and a much more dangerous competitor”

Dakota Ditcheva Embraces the Barbie Persona ‘I Don’t Look Like a Fighter’ She Tells Michael Venom Page

Dakota Ditcheva Embraces the Barbie Persona 'I Don’t Look Like a Fighter' She Tells Michael Venom PageDakota Ditcheva is no stranger to being in the spotlight, but one thing she’s come to embrace in her…

Dakota Ditcheva Embraces the Barbie Persona 'I Don’t Look Like a Fighter' She Tells Michael Venom Page

Dakota Ditcheva is no stranger to being in the spotlight, but one thing she’s come to embrace in her rise in the MMA world is being called “Barbie.” While some might consider it an insult, the undefeated British fighter has turned the moniker into a source of empowerment, using it to fuel her victory in the 2024 PFL Women’s Flyweight Tournament.

Dakota Ditcheva on Barbie

In the lead-up to her showdown with former UFC contender Taila Santos, Dakota Ditcheva was no stranger to the “Barbie” comparisons. After winning her European belt, Santos commented on Ditcheva’s post, saying, “I want Barbie’s belt,” a remark that stuck and added fuel to the fire of their rivalry. But for Ditcheva, the nickname didn’t bother her at all. Instead, she embraced it.

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“I’m blonde, don’t look like a fighter, but it turned into hate from my last opponent, Taila Santos,” Ditcheva shared speaking with Bellator and UFC athlete Michael ‘Venom’ Page. “Yes, that’s when it started. After I won my European belt, she commented under the post saying, ‘I want Barbie’s belt.’”

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Rather than viewing the comment as a slight, Ditcheva saw it as an opportunity to showcase the different facets of her personality, both as a fighter and as someone who embraces her appearance. “Obviously, she’d just come out of the UFC. Yeah, she was coming over to PFL and was like, ‘Okay.’ And then that’s what she’s just run with the whole time now since she’s been with PFL.”

The playful jab did little to derail Dakota Ditcheva’s focus on her ultimate goal. When the two met in the PFL Flyweight Tournament final in November 2024, Ditcheva delivered a dominant performance, stopping Santos in the second round with a flurry of body shots, capturing both the PFL world title and a $1 million prize.

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Despite Santos’ experience in the UFC, Dakota Ditcheva’s sharp striking skills and relentless pace made quick work of her opponent. It was a historic win for Ditcheva. Yet even after such a monumental victory, it was the “Barbie” nickname that had Ditcheva grinning. “I think loads of people have enjoyed running with the whole Barbie thing now,” she said, reflecting on how the nickname has grown on her. “Especially my friend—she did me a surprise party and made like a big Barbie box.”

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She’s embraced the nickname, turned it into a fun part of her persona, and is proving that her skills are more than just looks. “Calling me Barbie is not an insult,” she said, “It’s just part of who I am.”

Dakota Ditcheva Embraces the Barbie Persona ‘I Don’t Look Like a Fighter’ She Tells Michael Venom Page

Dakota Ditcheva Embraces the Barbie Persona 'I Don’t Look Like a Fighter' She Tells Michael Venom PageDakota Ditcheva is no stranger to being in the spotlight, but one thing she’s come to embrace in her…

Dakota Ditcheva Embraces the Barbie Persona 'I Don’t Look Like a Fighter' She Tells Michael Venom Page

Dakota Ditcheva is no stranger to being in the spotlight, but one thing she’s come to embrace in her rise in the MMA world is being called “Barbie.” While some might consider it an insult, the undefeated British fighter has turned the moniker into a source of empowerment, using it to fuel her victory in the 2024 PFL Women’s Flyweight Tournament.

Dakota Ditcheva on Barbie

In the lead-up to her showdown with former UFC contender Taila Santos, Dakota Ditcheva was no stranger to the “Barbie” comparisons. After winning her European belt, Santos commented on Ditcheva’s post, saying, “I want Barbie’s belt,” a remark that stuck and added fuel to the fire of their rivalry. But for Ditcheva, the nickname didn’t bother her at all. Instead, she embraced it.

dakota ditcheva

“I’m blonde, don’t look like a fighter, but it turned into hate from my last opponent, Taila Santos,” Ditcheva shared speaking with Bellator and UFC athlete Michael ‘Venom’ Page. “Yes, that’s when it started. After I won my European belt, she commented under the post saying, ‘I want Barbie’s belt.’”

Dakota 88

Rather than viewing the comment as a slight, Ditcheva saw it as an opportunity to showcase the different facets of her personality, both as a fighter and as someone who embraces her appearance. “Obviously, she’d just come out of the UFC. Yeah, she was coming over to PFL and was like, ‘Okay.’ And then that’s what she’s just run with the whole time now since she’s been with PFL.”

The playful jab did little to derail Dakota Ditcheva’s focus on her ultimate goal. When the two met in the PFL Flyweight Tournament final in November 2024, Ditcheva delivered a dominant performance, stopping Santos in the second round with a flurry of body shots, capturing both the PFL world title and a $1 million prize.

dakota1

Despite Santos’ experience in the UFC, Dakota Ditcheva’s sharp striking skills and relentless pace made quick work of her opponent. It was a historic win for Ditcheva. Yet even after such a monumental victory, it was the “Barbie” nickname that had Ditcheva grinning. “I think loads of people have enjoyed running with the whole Barbie thing now,” she said, reflecting on how the nickname has grown on her. “Especially my friend—she did me a surprise party and made like a big Barbie box.”

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She’s embraced the nickname, turned it into a fun part of her persona, and is proving that her skills are more than just looks. “Calling me Barbie is not an insult,” she said, “It’s just part of who I am.”

PFL Founder Sheds Light On Plans For Dakota Ditcheva: ‘That’s What You’re Going To See…’

While she currently doesn’t have a fight in the calendar, there’s seemingly something major in store for 2024 PFL Women’s Flyweight Champion Dakota Ditcheva. Ditcheva has marked one of the breakout names across recent years. After announcing herself as a prospect under the PFL banner, the British standout has won gold in back-to-back campaigns. Following […]

While she currently doesn’t have a fight in the calendar, there’s seemingly something major in store for 2024 PFL Women’s Flyweight Champion Dakota Ditcheva.

Ditcheva has marked one of the breakout names across recent years. After announcing herself as a prospect under the PFL banner, the British standout has won gold in back-to-back campaigns.

Following title glory in the promotion’s first regional expansion, PFL Europe, Ditcheva backed up her confidence and promise to reach the top in MMA by winning the inaugural 125-pound season on the global stage in 2024.

“Dangerous” proved her doubters wrong in style last November, battering Taila Santos in the final en route to the championship and $1 million prize check.

Since then, there’s been some uncertainty over what’s to come for Ditcheva, with many in the fanbase wishing for her to compete on the sport’s biggest stage, the UFC.

Ditcheva herself was quick to downplay another season stint as a possibility prior to the announcement that the PFL would be dropping the long-debated format in 2025.

During an interview with talkSPORT MMA, PFL founder and chairman Donn Davis looked to shed some light on Ditcheva’s status.

Though he didn’t provide an exact assignment, he laid out what he told the rising star when they sat down while in Dubai for this past weekend’s Champions Series event.

“We had dinner with Dakota the other night. Dakota’s here tonight as our guest,” Davis said. “We simply said to Dakota, ‘Seven of 10 major MMA organizations named you Fighter of the Year. Not Rookie of the Year, not Rising Star of the Year, Fighter of the Year. We want you to be the number one female star on the planet. And we’re going to get behind you to do that. So together, let’s outline a plan, so that that’s achieved.’

“That takes personality, that takes drive, that takes being the best fighter and it takes the company behind you,” Davis continued. “Let’s put all four of those together and do it. That’s what you’re going to see from Dakota.”

Ditcheva earned MMA News’ award for Female Fighter of the Year, finishing top spot over the likes of Kayla Harrison, Valentina Shevchenko, and Cris Cyborg after her 4-0 run in 2024.

Dakota Ditcheva On What Separates PFL From UFC: ‘They’re Very Clever With It…’

2024 PFL Women’s Flyweight Champion Dakota Ditcheva sees one area in which her current promotion firmly surpasses the mixed martial arts leader. The Professional Fighters League and its higher-ups like founder Donn Davis have long outlined its intentions to reach “co-leader” status in MMA. But while the acquisition of rival promotion Bellator MMA appeared to […]

2024 PFL Women’s Flyweight Champion Dakota Ditcheva sees one area in which her current promotion firmly surpasses the mixed martial arts leader.

The Professional Fighters League and its higher-ups like founder Donn Davis have long outlined its intentions to reach “co-leader” status in MMA. But while the acquisition of rival promotion Bellator MMA appeared to mark a potential step toward that, 2024 didn’t exactly go to plan.

The year ended with multiple Bellator fighters, including champions Patrício “Pitbull” Freire” and Patchy Mix, publicly calling out the PFL over canceled fights and events, even requesting their releases.

With that, plenty remain skeptical about the organization’s long-term future, let alone ability to rival the UFC. But that doesn’t mean the PFL hasn’t excelled in some areas — namely, Europe.

During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Dakota Ditcheva — one of the biggest names to emerge from the promotion’s first regional expansion, PFL Europe — lauded her employer for placing focus on discovering the next generation of top MMA fighters in the continent.

“One thing I will say about that, people were commenting all the time, ‘UFC missed out on PFL [Europe],’ and what PFL did right was they went to Europe and picked up that young talent, and that’s how they ended up with me,” Ditcheva said. “They’ve kind of gone out of that top-level zone, picked up the young talent, and now look what they’re getting.

“I do think they’re very clever with it and think they’ll come up with something cool (next),” Ditcheva concluded.

After establishing herself as one to watch with a few wins under the PFL banner, Ditcheva — MMA News’ Female Fighter of the Year for 2024 — competed as part of the inaugural PFL Europe season. She breezed through the competition en route to the women’s flyweight title in 2023.

That secured her spot in the very first PFL Global 125-pound season this year, placing her on a roster that included the likes of Taila Santos, Liz Carmouche, and Juliana Velasquez. “Dangerous” proved that the hype behind her name is warranted, recording three finishes to reach the final before obliterating Santos for the belt and $1 million prize money.

Many have since expressed a desire to see Ditcheva under the UFC banner, especially with her next step in the PFL unknown. The Brit has already suggested that a return to the season format wouldn’t make sense, instead pitching herself as part of the PFL Super Fights events.

Given the difficult many have seemingly had securing fights, it remains to be seen whether such a switch would provide the level of activity that the undefeated 26-year-old is after.