Dakota Ditcheva Called PFL’s Biggest Star Ahead of Kielholtz Clash, Says CEO John Martin

Professional Fighters League (PFL) CEO John Martin shared his thoughts on Dakota Ditcheva and her importance to the promotion.

Ditcheva, 27, is one of the most popular fighters on the PFL roster. She has excelled in the promotion and boasts an unbeaten 15-0 MMA record.

‘Dangerous’ is scheduled to return to the SmartCage on July 31, when she faces Denise Kielholtz at PFL New York. 

Martin noted that Ditcheva is a perfect fit for the card, which also features reigning PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov in the main event.

“She's already considered a star. I mean, she's, she's probably the most often talked-about athlete that we have at the PFL,” Martin told SportsBoom.us. 

“Among the women, I think she’s probably the most talked-about and interesting female fighter in the world, bar none.”

Ditcheva’s bout will take place a year after her previous fight with Sumiko Inaba, in which she earned a dominant unanimous decision. 

The Manchester native was set to face Kielholtz this past February, but suffered another injury that delayed her return.

“Unfortunately, Dakota suffered back-to-back injuries to her hands. And so she's coming off an injury. She's been incredible to work with, though. She's absolutely great. And, also seems happy in the PFL.”

Martin acknowledged the landscape of the PFL’s flyweight division and believes Ditcheva will be able to test herself against top competition.

“We want to make sure that we're giving her the type of competition to warrant her ability. But again, we've got an increasingly deep 125-pound division.”

FLYWEIGHT CHAMPION TO BE CROWNED

Since being named as PFL CEO following Donn Davis’ departure, Martin has simplified the promotion, with one champion representing each weight class. 

Although there is currently no PFL flyweight champion, Martin expects that to change by the end of the year. 

He pointed to other upcoming matchups in the coming months as indicators of who could fight for the vacant championship.

“If you don't want to look too far out ahead, in San Diego, we're going to have a couple of women's fights.”

“We're going to be focusing on and showcasing ex-champions, with Liz Carmouche. And, Jena Bishop, Ariane Lipsky da Silva, and Viviane Araujo will all be on that card. Whoever wins out of those two matches also might loom big as to who Dakota fights next,” Martin said.

Liz Carmouche will face Viviane Araujo in the PFL San Diego co-main event on June 27, while Ariane Lipski da Silva will face Jena Bishop in the prelims.

Martin noted that crowning a champion will bring much-needed clarity to the division.

“A lot of people get confused. They think Dakota's our champion. Dakota won the tournament. She was a tournament champion, but of course, now we've stepped aside from the tournament. So we're going to be crowning a world champion in the 125-pound weight class, and I'd like to do that before the end of this year.”

In other MMA news, UFC Hall of Famer Frankie Edgar has given his take on Conor McGregor’s long-awaited return, with the Irish superstar set to face Max Holloway in the UFC 329 main event.

DAKOTA DITCHEVA VS. LIZ CARMOUCHE ON THE HORIZON?

One fight that has yet to be booked in the PFL is Ditcheva vs. Carmouche. 

The former Bellator women’s flyweight champion has won three straight fights, including her knockout win over Jena Bishop, to win the 2025 PFL women’s flyweight tournament.

While the matchup has not been booked, Martin confirmed it could be on the horizon should both women win their next fights. 

“I think Ditcheva vs. Carmouche is something we'll consider after these next fights are done.”

“Let's see how Liz does. Let's see how Dakota does. I think clearly both of those athletes are deserving of a title shot, so let's see how it plays out. They both have tough tests ahead of them,” he concluded.