Dakota Ditcheva’s 2024 might be remembered as a historic yr for one in all girls’s MMA’s most spectacular abilities. The 26-year-old British fighter solidified her place among the many sport’s elite by claiming the PFL Girls’s Flyweight World Championship in November, defeating former UFC contender Taila Santos by way of second-round TKO. The primary to ever cease Santos.
Feminine Fighter of the Yr – LowKick MMA 2024 Awards – Dakota Ditcheva
Dakota Ditcheva’s victory was historic, making her the youngest PFL world champion at simply 26 years and 4 months previous. She additionally turned the primary fighter to win each a PFL regional title, securing the 2023 PFL Europe crown, and a PFL World Title. Profitable all of those matchups by means of KO/TKO. She grew up coaching Muay Thai and kickboxing from her mom, Lisa Howarth, who herself was a world champion in Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and Karate.
Her championship marketing campaign in 2024 was nothing wanting dominant. Dakota Ditcheva’s path to gold included wins over Lisa Mauldin, Chelsea Hackett, and Jena Bishop, successful most of those by knockout. The ultimate victory in opposition to Santos stood out as significantly spectacular, as Ditcheva turned the primary fighter to complete the sturdy Brazilian veteran.
‘Dangerous’ Ditcheva has lived as much as her moniker, extending her undefeated report to 14-0, with an astonishing 12 wins by knockout.
Ditcheva started her fight sports activities journey at simply 4 years previous and went on to win gold on the 2016 IFMA Muay Thai World Championships as an newbie. Coaching out of Manchester Prime Group and supplementing her preparation with stints at American Prime Group in Florida, Ditcheva has benefited from world-class teaching and coaching companions. Her fast ascent within the PFL has drawn comparisons to the game’s largest stars, equivalent to Ronda Rousey.
For now, Ditcheva stays the crown jewel of the PFL. Her 2024 marketing campaign cemented her standing as a respectable world-class fighter. If this yr is any indication, the long run is exceedingly vivid for the British phenom. Which is why she has been chosen because the Feminine Fighter of the Yr in 2024 by LowKick MMA.