Dakota Ditcheva or Kayla Harrison? Kayla Harrison has been named ESPN’s Feminine Fighter of the Yr for 2024. Whereas Harrison’s accomplishments are spectacular, the choice has sparked a debate amongst followers, with many arguing that Dakota Ditcheva had a stronger case for the award.
Kayla Harrison Or Dakota Ditcheva
Kayla Harrison is a former Olympic judo gold medalist who had an unimaginable run within the PFL and later transitioned to the UFC. Her debut got here at UFC 300 in April, the place she submitted former bantamweight champion Holly Holm within the second spherical. This victory instantly positioned her among the many prime contenders within the 135-pound division. Harrison solidified her place in October at UFC 307, defeating Ketlen Vieira by unanimous choice. The 2 wins improved her skilled file to 18-1.
Nonetheless, followers have pointed to Dakota Ditcheva’s good 12 months as a robust counterargument to Harrison’s choice. Competing within the PFL, Ditcheva delivered 4 dominant performances, together with her turning into the youngest champion in PFL historical past.
She kicked off the 12 months with back-to-back TKO victories over Lisa Mauldin and Chelsea Hackett, then secured a semifinal win towards Jena Bishop in August additionally by way of knockout.
In November, Ditcheva claimed the PFL Ladies’s Flyweight Event title and a $1 million prize by defeating former UFC title challenger Taila Santos by way of TKO. The 25-year-old British fighter ended 2024 with a flawless 14-0 file, incomes her recognition as the primary British feminine MMA world champion. Moreover, she was the primary fighter ever to cease Santos.
Critics of ESPN’s choice argue that Ditcheva’s historic achievements and unbeaten file ought to have tipped the scales in her favor. Whereas Harrison’s UFC debut and victories have been vital, some followers consider they fell in need of Ditcheva’s exceptional run by way of the PFL event. Harrison defeated an over-the-hill Holm and narrowly edged Viera whereas Ditcheva dominated the sector and made historical past.
Followers Balk at Harrison over Ditcheva
Listed below are numerous feedback by followers:
“I love Kayla but Dakota Ditcheva would like to have a word…”
“Dakota Ditcheva is 4-0 in 2024 under the PFL banner with 4 knockouts. She’s you’re real 2024 WMMA Fighter of the Year winner.”
“Dakota Ditcheva should have won this. 4-0 over the year, all KO wins with no girl making it out of the 2nd round.”
“Dakota ditcheva should’ve won she went 4-0 in 2024 all by tko”
I really like Kayla Harrison however this one is a compelled ESPN angled publish.
Dakota Ditcheva is 4-0 in 2024 underneath the PFL banner with 4 knockouts.
She’s you’re actual 2024 WMMA Fighter of the Yr winner.
Miss Harrison remains to be superior and defeats Pena in 2025 to turn out to be UFC Champion. https://t.co/bjGP9C8IaL pic.twitter.com/Br6Sm7JvcY
— Ludis Charta (@LudisCharta) December 18, 2024
