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{{short description|English Muay Thai practitioner}}
{{short description|English Muay Thai practitioner and mixed martial artist}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2012}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2012}}
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| name = Dakota Ditcheva
| name = Dakota Ditcheva
| other_names = Dangerous
| other_names = Dangerous
| image =
| image =
| image_size = 200px
| image_size =
| alt =
| alt =
| caption =
| caption =
| birth_name = Dakota Lili-Joa Ditcheva
| birth_name = Dakota Lili-Joa Ditcheva
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1998|07|11|df=y}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1998|07|25|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Sale, Greater Manchester]], England, United Kingdom
| birth_place = [[Sale, Greater Manchester|Sale]], [[Greater Manchester]], England
| death_date =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_place =
| death_cause =
| death_cause =
| residence =
| residence =
| nationality =
| nationality = {{hlist|British|Bulgarian}}
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=8}}
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=8}}
| weight_lb = 125
| weight_lb = 125
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| reach = 70 in
| reach = 70 in
| style = [[Muay Thai]], [[Kickboxing]]
| style = [[Muay Thai]], [[Kickboxing]]
| stance =
| stance =
| fighting_out_of = Manchester, England
| fighting_out_of = [[Ashton-under-Lyne]], Greater Manchester, England
| team = Manchester Top Team
| team = Manchester Top Team
| rank =
| rank =
| students =
| students =
| relatives = [[Lisa Howarth]] (mother)
| relatives = [[Lisa Howarth]] (mother)
| years_active = 2012–present
| years_active = 2012–present
| box_win =
| box_win =
| box_kowin =
| box_kowin =
| box_loss =
| box_loss =
| box_koloss =
| box_koloss =
| box_draw =
| box_draw =
| box_nc =
| box_nc =
| kickbox_win = 10
| kickbox_win = 10
| kickbox_kowin =
| kickbox_kowin =
| kickbox_loss = 1
| kickbox_loss = 1
| kickbox_koloss =
| kickbox_koloss =
| kickbox_draw =
| kickbox_draw =
| kickbox_nc =
| kickbox_nc =
| mma_kowin = 11
| mma_kowin = 12
| mma_subwin = 1
| mma_subwin = 1
| mma_decwin = 1
| mma_decwin = 1
| mma_koloss =
| mma_koloss =
| mma_subloss =
| mma_subloss =
| mma_decloss =
| mma_decloss =
| boxrec =
| boxrec =
| sherdog = 320485
| sherdog = 320485
| footnotes =
| footnotes =
| updated =
| updated =
| medaltemplates ={{MedalCountry | {{Flag|Great Britain}}}}
| medaltemplates = {{MedalCountry | {{Flag|Great Britain}}}}
{{MedalSport | Women's [[Muay Thai]]}}
{{MedalSport | Women's [[Muay Thai]]}}
{{MedalCompetition | [[IFMA World Muaythai Championships|IFMA World Championships]]}}
{{MedalCompetition | [[IFMA World Muaythai Championships|IFMA World Championships]]}}
{{MedalGold | 2016 Jonkoping |Junior -57kg<ref name=":3" />}}
{{MedalGold | 2016 Jonkoping |Junior -57kg<ref name=":3" />}}
}}
}}
'''Dakota Lili-Joa Ditcheva''' (born 11 July 1998) is an English mixed martial artist and former [[Muay Thai]] competitor currently signed to the [[Professional Fighters League]] (PFL), where she competes in the [[Flyweight (MMA)|Flyweight]] division.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/bodypositive/35916626|title=Dakota Ditcheva: #ThisIsMe|date=29 March 2016|website=www.bbc.com|publisher=BBC|access-date=2016-07-30|archive-date=9 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309145247/http://www.bbc.com/sport/bodypositive/35916626|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=How To Harness The Winning Mindset Of An Athlete|url=http://www.elleuk.com/life-and-culture/news/a30324/how-to-harness-the-winning-mindset-of-an-athlete/|publisher=Elle UK|accessdate=2 September 2016|date=27 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.messengernewspapers.co.uk/sport/14621446.Dakota_claims_British_title/|title=Dakota claims British title|website=Messenger Newspapers|date=15 July 2016 |access-date=2016-07-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=4 June 2015|title=Trafford College student aims for glory |url=http://www.messengernewspapers.co.uk/sport/13313557.Trafford_College_student_aims_for_glory/ |newspaper=Messenger |access-date=26 August 2016}}</ref> She was part of the British team at the 2016 [[International Federation of Muaythai Amateur]] World Championships in [[Jönköping]], Sweden, winning gold.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/teen-muai-thai-sensation-dakota-11427758|title=Teen Muai Thai sensation Dakota Ditcheva wins gold in the World Championships|newspaper=Manchester Evening News|date=2016-06-04|access-date=2016-07-30}}</ref> She is an overall three-time world champion in the junior divisions<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/real-life-stories/nextrondarousey-british-teenager-inspired-ufc-7086817|title=Is this the next Ronda Rousey?|last=Myall|first=Steve|newspaper=Daily Mirror|date=2015-12-30|access-date=2016-07-30}}</ref> and [[Daily Mirror]] and [[Sport England]] Pride of Sports Young Sportsperson of the Year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sportengland.org/news-and-features/news/2015/november/26/pride-of-sport-awards/ |title=Pride of Sport Awards: the winners |date=26 November 2015 |website=www.sportengland.org |publisher=Sport England |accessdate=25 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ifmamuaythai.org/2015/12/muaythai-athlete-named-young-sportsperson-of-the-year/|title=Muaythai athlete named "Young Sportsperson of the Year"|website=www.ifmamuaythai.org|access-date=2016-09-02}}</ref>
'''Dakota Lili-Joa Ditcheva'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dakota Ditcheva ("Dangerous") {{!}} MMA Fighter Page |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/216494-dakota-ditcheva |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=Tapology |language=en}}</ref> ({{langx|bg|Дакота Дичева}}; born 25 July 1998) is an English [[Mixed martial arts|mixed martial artist]] and former [[Muay Thai]] fighter currently competing in the women's [[Flyweight]] division of the [[Professional Fighters League]] (PFL).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/bodypositive/35916626|title=Dakota Ditcheva: #ThisIsMe|date=29 March 2016|website=www.bbc.com|publisher=BBC|access-date=2016-07-30|archive-date=9 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309145247/http://www.bbc.com/sport/bodypositive/35916626|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=How To Harness The Winning Mindset Of An Athlete|url=http://www.elleuk.com/life-and-culture/news/a30324/how-to-harness-the-winning-mindset-of-an-athlete/|publisher=Elle UK|accessdate=2 September 2016|date=27 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.messengernewspapers.co.uk/sport/14621446.Dakota_claims_British_title/|title=Dakota claims British title|website=Messenger Newspapers|date=15 July 2016 |access-date=2016-07-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=4 June 2015|title=Trafford College student aims for glory |url=http://www.messengernewspapers.co.uk/sport/13313557.Trafford_College_student_aims_for_glory/ |newspaper=Messenger |access-date=26 August 2016}}</ref> She was part of the British team at the 2016 [[International Federation of Muaythai Amateur]] World Championships in [[Jönköping]], Sweden, winning gold.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/teen-muai-thai-sensation-dakota-11427758|title=Teen Muai Thai sensation Dakota Ditcheva wins gold in the World Championships|newspaper=Manchester Evening News|date=2016-06-04|access-date=2016-07-30}}</ref> She is an overall three-time world champion in the junior divisions<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/real-life-stories/nextrondarousey-british-teenager-inspired-ufc-7086817|title=Is this the next Ronda Rousey?|last=Myall|first=Steve|newspaper=Daily Mirror|date=2015-12-30|access-date=2016-07-30}}</ref> and [[Daily Mirror]] and [[Sport England]] Pride of Sports Young Sportsperson of the Year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sportengland.org/news-and-features/news/2015/november/26/pride-of-sport-awards/ |title=Pride of Sport Awards: the winners |date=26 November 2015 |website=www.sportengland.org |publisher=Sport England |accessdate=25 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ifmamuaythai.org/2015/12/muaythai-athlete-named-young-sportsperson-of-the-year/|title=Muaythai athlete named "Young Sportsperson of the Year"|website=www.ifmamuaythai.org|access-date=2016-09-02}}</ref>


== Background ==
== Background ==
Born on 11 July 1998, in [[Sale, Greater Manchester]], England, Dakota Ditcheva grew up in a family of martial artists. Her father is [[Bulgarians|Bulgarian]], born in [[Samokov]].<ref>{{cite video | title = MMA star Dakota Ditcheva: I am half-Bulgarian | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIYZZLeHEhc | website = YouTube | access-date = April 6, 2024
Born on 25 July 1998, in [[Sale, Greater Manchester]], England, Dakota Ditcheva grew up in a family of martial artists. Her father is [[Bulgarians|Bulgarian]], born in [[Samokov]].<ref name="The Jungle of Sports">{{cite video | title = MMA star Dakota Ditcheva: I am half-Bulgarian | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIYZZLeHEhc | website = YouTube | access-date = April 6, 2024
| author = The Jungle of Sports | date = July 1, 2023}}</ref> Her mother, [[Lisa Howarth]], a multiple-time world kickboxing champion, had influenced Dakota's interest in combat sports. Immersed in this environment from a young age, Dakota began her training in various martial arts disciplines, including kickboxing, Muay Thai, and later, Brazilian jiu-jitsu.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Meet our Fighters: Dakota Ditcheva {{!}} PAWFC |url=https://pawfc.com/news/details/meet-our-fighters-dakota-ditcheva.html |access-date=2023-03-21 |website=pawfc.com |language=en-GB |archive-date=23 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923132334/https://pawfc.com/news/details/meet-our-fighters-dakota-ditcheva.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Davies |first=Harry |date=2022-10-26 |title=PFL star Dakota Ditcheva inspired by surge of women's sport in UK |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-sports/mma/pfl-dakota-ditcheva-fight-news-28330877 |access-date=2023-03-21 |website=mirror |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sale Muay Thai star becomes British champion in a night of Muay Thai drama |url=https://www.messengernewspapers.co.uk/sport/14507669.sale-muay-thai-star-becomes-british-champion-in-a-night-of-muay-thai-drama/ |access-date=2023-03-21 |website=Messenger Newspapers |date=20 May 2016 |language=en}}</ref>
| author = The Jungle of Sports | date = July 1, 2023}}</ref> Her mother, [[Lisa Howarth]], a multiple-time world kickboxing champion, had influenced Dakota's interest in combat sports. Immersed in this environment from a young age, Dakota began her training in various martial arts disciplines, including kickboxing, Muay Thai, and later, Brazilian jiu-jitsu.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Meet our Fighters: Dakota Ditcheva {{!}} PAWFC |url=https://pawfc.com/news/details/meet-our-fighters-dakota-ditcheva.html |access-date=2023-03-21 |website=pawfc.com |language=en-GB |archive-date=23 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923132334/https://pawfc.com/news/details/meet-our-fighters-dakota-ditcheva.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Davies |first=Harry |date=2022-10-26 |title=PFL star Dakota Ditcheva inspired by surge of women's sport in UK |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-sports/mma/pfl-dakota-ditcheva-fight-news-28330877 |access-date=2023-03-21 |website=mirror |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sale Muay Thai star becomes British champion in a night of Muay Thai drama |url=https://www.messengernewspapers.co.uk/sport/14507669.sale-muay-thai-star-becomes-british-champion-in-a-night-of-muay-thai-drama/ |access-date=2023-03-21 |website=Messenger Newspapers |date=20 May 2016 |language=en}}</ref>


Before transitioning to professional mixed martial arts (MMA), Dakota competed in kickboxing and Muay Thai, winning championships in both disciplines. In May 2016, she represented Great Britain at the [[International Federation of Muaythai Associations]] (IFMA) World Championships, where she earned a [[gold medal]] in the female junior 57 kg division.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=IFMA World Championships 2016 Jonkoping, Sweden 19-29 May Official Results |url=https://muaythai.lt/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/2016-World-Championsips-Jankoping-Sweden.pdf |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=muaythai.lt}}</ref>
Before transitioning to professional mixed martial arts (MMA), Dakota competed in kickboxing and Muay Thai, winning championships in both disciplines. In May 2016, she represented Great Britain at the [[International Federation of Muaythai Associations]] (IFMA) World Championships, where she earned a [[gold medal]] in the female junior 57&nbsp;kg division.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=IFMA World Championships 2016 Jonkoping, Sweden 19-29 May Official Results |url=https://muaythai.lt/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/2016-World-Championsips-Jankoping-Sweden.pdf |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=muaythai.lt}}</ref>


Dakota describes herself as having two nationalities, English and Bulgarian. She regularly flies a double English-Bulgarian flag and feels proud of both her backgrounds. She speaks a bit of Bulgarian and travels to the country several times per year to visit relatives.<ref>{{cite video | title = MMA star Dakota Ditcheva: I am half-Bulgarian | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIYZZLeHEhc | website = YouTube | access-date = April 6, 2024
Dakota describes herself as having two nationalities, English and Bulgarian. She regularly flies a double English-Bulgarian flag and feels proud of both her backgrounds. She speaks a bit of Bulgarian and travels to the country several times per year to visit relatives.<ref name="The Jungle of Sports"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=The MMA sensation Dakota Ditcheva: I am half Bulgarian |url=https://boec.com/the-mma-sensation-dakota-ditcheva-i-am-half-bulgarian/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=boec.com|date=3 July 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dakota Ditcheva on trash talking, spending $100k and taking PFL Europe to Bulgaria |url=https://www.planetsport.com/mma/news/exclusive-dakota-ditcheva-trash-talking-spending-100k-taking-pfl-europe-bulgaria |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=www.planetsport.com|date=30 September 2023 }}</ref>
| author = The Jungle of Sports | date = July 1, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The MMA sensation Dakota Ditcheva: I am half Bulgarian |url=https://boec.com/the-mma-sensation-dakota-ditcheva-i-am-half-bulgarian/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=boec.com|date=3 July 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dakota Ditcheva on trash talking, spending $100k and taking PFL Europe to Bulgaria |url=https://www.planetsport.com/mma/news/exclusive-dakota-ditcheva-trash-talking-spending-100k-taking-pfl-europe-bulgaria |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=www.planetsport.com|date=30 September 2023 }}</ref>


Dakota is a lifelong fan of football club [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]], and replicates various Manchester City players’ goal celebrations after winning her fights as a trademark.
Dakota is a lifelong fan of football club [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]], and replicates various Manchester City players' goal celebrations after winning her fights as a trademark.


== Mixed martial arts career ==
== Mixed martial arts career ==
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In the [[PFL Europe 4#Women's Flyweight|PFL Europe Women's Flyweight]] final, Ditcheva faced Valentina Scatizzi at [[PFL Europe 4]] on December 8, 2023. She won the fight via TKO between the first and second rounds after the cage-side doctor determined Scatizzi's eye was too swollen to continue.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-08 |title=2023 PFL Europe 4 video: Bulging eye injury causes halt to Dakota Ditcheva vs. Valentina Scatizzi |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/12/2023-pfl-europe-4-video-bulging-eye-injury-causes-halt-to-dakota-ditcheva-vs-valentina-scatizzi |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}</ref>
In the [[PFL Europe 4#Women's Flyweight|PFL Europe Women's Flyweight]] final, Ditcheva faced Valentina Scatizzi at [[PFL Europe 4]] on December 8, 2023. She won the fight via TKO between the first and second rounds after the cage-side doctor determined Scatizzi's eye was too swollen to continue.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-08 |title=2023 PFL Europe 4 video: Bulging eye injury causes halt to Dakota Ditcheva vs. Valentina Scatizzi |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/12/2023-pfl-europe-4-video-bulging-eye-injury-causes-halt-to-dakota-ditcheva-vs-valentina-scatizzi |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}</ref>


Ditcheva faced Lisa Mauldin at [[PFL_1_(2024)|PFL 1]] on April 4, 2024 and won the bout by technical knockout by a knee to the body and punches.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dewar |first=Val |date=2024-04-05 |title=PFL 1: Undefeated Dakota Ditcheva Mauls Lisa Mauldin, Finishes via Body Shots |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/04/04/pfl-1-undefeated-dakoto-ditcheva-mauls-lisa-mauldin-finishes-via-body-shots/ |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}</ref>
Ditcheva faced Lisa Mauldin at [[PFL 1 (2024)|PFL 1]] on April 4, 2024 and won the bout by technical knockout by a knee to the body and punches.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dewar |first=Val |date=2024-04-05 |title=PFL 1: Undefeated Dakota Ditcheva Mauls Lisa Mauldin, Finishes via Body Shots |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/04/04/pfl-1-undefeated-dakoto-ditcheva-mauls-lisa-mauldin-finishes-via-body-shots/ |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}</ref>


Ditcheva faced [[Chelsea Hackett]] on June 13, 2024 at [[PFL 4 (2024)|PFL 4]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-22 |title=Valentin Moldavsky vs. Linton Vassell headlines 2024 PFL 4 at Mohegan Sun |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2024/04/pfl-4-valentin-moldavsky-vs-linton-vassell-heavyweights-june-13-connecticut-women-flyweight-mma |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}</ref> She won the fight via body punch TKO in the first round.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 Jun 2024 |title=Dakota Ditcheva extends unbeaten record with latest KO win|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-sports/mma/dakota-ditcheva-pfl-fight-ko-33028044 |access-date=14 Jun 2024 |website=mirror.co.uk |language=en}}</ref>
Ditcheva faced [[Chelsea Hackett]] on June 13, 2024 at [[PFL 4 (2024)|PFL 4]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-22 |title=Valentin Moldavsky vs. Linton Vassell headlines 2024 PFL 4 at Mohegan Sun |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2024/04/pfl-4-valentin-moldavsky-vs-linton-vassell-heavyweights-june-13-connecticut-women-flyweight-mma |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}</ref> She won the fight via body punch TKO in the first round.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 Jun 2024 |title=Dakota Ditcheva extends unbeaten record with latest KO win|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-sports/mma/dakota-ditcheva-pfl-fight-ko-33028044 |access-date=14 Jun 2024 |website=mirror.co.uk |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2024-06-14 |title=Dakota Ditcheva Stops Chelsea Hackett with Body Shot at PFL 4 |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/06/13/dakota-ditcheva-stops-chelsea-hackett-with-body-shot-at-pfl-4/ |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}</ref>


Ditcheva next faced Jena Bishop in the semifinals at [[PFL 7 (2024)|PFL 7]] on August 2, 2024. She won the bout via TKO in the first round.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-02 |title=2024 PFL Playoffs 1 Results |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2024/08/pfl-2024-playoffs-heavyweight-women-flyweight-denis-goltsov-dakota-ditcheva-carmouche-live-updates-results |access-date=2024-08-03 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}</ref> She will now face [[Taila Santos]] in the finals.
Ditcheva next faced Jena Bishop in the semi-finals of the [[2024 in Professional Fighters League#2024 PFL Women's Flyweight playoffs|2024 Women's Flyweight tournament]] at [[PFL 7 (2024)|PFL 7]] on August 2, 2024, winning the bout via TKO in the first round.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2024-08-03 |title=Dakota Ditcheva Wrecks Jena Bishop in Women's Flyweight Semifinal at PFL Nashville |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/08/02/dakota-ditcheva-wrecks-jena-bishop-in-womens-flyweight-semifinal-at-pfl-nashville/ |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/mixed-martial-arts/articles/c8868zxz2q9o|title=Unstoppable Ditcheva reaches $1m PFL final|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=3 August 2024}}</ref>

In the final, Ditcheva faced [[Taila Santos]] on November 29, 2024, at [[PFL 10 (2024)|PFL 10]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Guillen |first=Adam |date=2024-10-17 |title=PFL's 2024 million-dollar Championship mega-event headed to Riyadh on Nov. 29
|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2024/10/17/24272912/pfl-2024-million-dollar-championships-mega-event-headed-riyadh-saudi-arabia-million-dollars-mma |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=MMAmania.com |language=en}}</ref> She won the tournament and $1 million prize by technical knockout via body punches in the second round being the first to finish Santos and also becoming the youngest champion in PFL history and the first British female MMA world champion.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/11/29/dakota-ditcheva-rips-body-puts-away-ufc-title-challenger-taila-santos-to-claim-first-pfl-global-title/|title=Dakota Ditcheva Rips Body, Puts Away UFC Title Challenger Taila Santos to Claim First PFL Global Title|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Jay Anderson|date=2024-11-29|access-date=2024-11-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/mixed-martial-arts/articles/cz6j6x99lyqo|title=Ditcheva first British woman to win MMA world title|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=29 November 2024}}</ref>


==Championships and accomplishments==
==Championships and accomplishments==
===Mixed martial arts===
===Mixed martial arts===
*'''[[Professional Fighters League]]'''
*'''[[Professional Fighters League]]'''
**[[PFL 10 (2024)|2024 PFL Women's Flyweight Championship]]
**[[PFL Europe 4#Women's Flyweight|2023 PFL Europe Women's Flyweight Championship]]
**[[PFL Europe 4#Women's Flyweight|2023 PFL Europe Women's Flyweight Championship]]


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*'''[[International Sport Kickboxing Association]]'''
*'''[[International Sport Kickboxing Association]]'''
** 2016 ISKA Muay Thai British Super Atomweight (-50.5&nbsp;kg) Championship
** 2016 ISKA Muay Thai British Super Atomweight (-50.5&nbsp;kg) Championship
⚫
*'''[[International Federation of Muaythai Associations]] '''

⚫
*'''[[International Federation of Muaythai Associations]]
** 2016 [[IFMA World Muaythai Championships]] in Jönköping, Sweden [[Image:Med 1.png|Gold]] Female Junior -57&nbsp;kg
** 2016 [[IFMA World Muaythai Championships]] in Jönköping, Sweden [[Image:Med 1.png|Gold]] Female Junior -57&nbsp;kg


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| draws=
| draws=
| nc=
| nc=
| ko-wins= 10
| ko-wins= 12
| ko-losses=
| ko-losses=
| sub-wins= 1
| sub-wins= 1
Line 122: Line 124:
}}
}}
{{MMA record start}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|14–0
|[[Taila Santos]]
|TKO (punches to the body)
|[[PFL 10 (2024)]]
|{{dts|2024|November|29}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|4:41
|[[Riyadh]], Saudi Arabia
|{{small|Won the [[2024 in Professional Fighters League#2024 PFL Women's Flyweight playoffs|2024 PFL Women's Flyweight Tournament]].}}
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{yes2}}Win
Line 271: Line 284:
{{Kickboxing record start|norec=y|title=Professional Muay Thai record|record='''10 Wins ''' , ''' 1 Loss '''}}
{{Kickboxing record start|norec=y|title=Professional Muay Thai record|record='''10 Wins ''' , ''' 1 Loss '''}}
|- style="background:#fbb;"
|- style="background:#fbb;"
| 2017-03-25 || Loss ||align=left|{{flagicon|Scotland}} Amy Pirnie || Yokkao 23 & 24 || [[Bolton]], [[Greater Manchester]], England, United Kingdom || Decision || 5 || 3:00
| 2017-03-25 || Loss ||align=left|{{flagdeco|GBR}} [[Amy Pirnie]] || Yokkao 23 & 24 || [[Bolton]], [[Greater Manchester]], England, United Kingdom || Decision || 5 || 3:00
|- style="background:#cfc;"
|- style="background:#cfc;"
| 2017-02-12 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|Scotland}} Kat Paton || Tanko Muay Thai League 1 || [[Manchester]], England, United Kingdom || TKO || 1 || 2:00
| 2017-02-12 || Win ||align=left|{{flagdeco|GBR}} Kat Paton || Tanko Muay Thai League 1 || [[Manchester]], England, United Kingdom || TKO || 1 || 2:00
|- style="background:#cfc;"
|- style="background:#cfc;"
| 2016-06-25 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|POR}} Katia Pinto || Machines on Fire || [[St Helens, Merseyside|St Helens]], England, United Kingdom || Decision || 5 || 3:00
| 2016-06-25 || Win ||align=left|{{flagdeco|POR}} Katia Pinto || Machines on Fire || [[St Helens, Merseyside|St Helens]], England, United Kingdom || Decision || 5 || 3:00
|- style="background:#cfc;"
|- style="background:#cfc;"
| 2016-05-14 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|ENG}} Emma Bragg || The Tanko Main Event || [[Bolton]], England, United Kingdom || TKO || 2 ||
| 2016-05-14 || Win ||align=left|{{flagdeco|GBR}} Emma Bragg || The Tanko Main Event || [[Bolton]], England, United Kingdom || TKO || 2 ||
|-
|-
! style=background:white colspan=8 |{{small|Wins the ISKA Muay Thai British 51kg Championship.}}
! style=background:white colspan=8 |{{small|Wins the ISKA Muay Thai British 51kg Championship.}}
|- style="background:#cfc;"
|- style="background:#cfc;"
| 2016-03-19 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|ESP}} Maria Becerra || Yokkao 17 & 18 || [[Bolton]], [[Greater Manchester]], England, United Kingdom || TKO || 1 ||
| 2016-03-19 || Win ||align=left|{{flagdeco|ESP}} Maria Becerra || Yokkao 17 & 18 || [[Bolton]], [[Greater Manchester]], England, United Kingdom || TKO || 1 ||
|- style="background:#cfc;"
|- style="background:#cfc;"
| 2015-11-21 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|FRA}} Myriame Djedidi || The Road to the Main Event || [[Ashton-under-Lyne]], England, United Kingdom || Decision || 5 || 2:00
| 2015-11-21 || Win ||align=left|{{flagdeco|FRA|1974}} Myriame Djedidi || The Road to the Main Event || [[Ashton-under-Lyne]], England, United Kingdom || Decision || 5 || 2:00
|- style="background:#cfc;"
|- style="background:#cfc;"
| 2015-04-24 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|THA}} Hongfah Kor. Jalanfak || Bangla Stadium || [[Phuket]], [[Thailand]] || TKO (knee) || 1 ||
| 2015-04-24 || Win ||align=left|{{flagdeco|THA}} Hongfah Kor. Jalanfak || Bangla Stadium || [[Phuket]], [[Thailand]] || TKO (knee) || 1 ||
|- style="background:#cfc;"
|- style="background:#cfc;"
| 2015-03-21 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|GBR}} Sophie Lowe || Yokkao 12 & Yokkao 13 || England, United Kingdom || TKO (referee stoppage) || ||
| 2015-03-21 || Win ||align=left|{{flagdeco|GBR}} Sophie Lowe || Yokkao 12 & Yokkao 13 || England, United Kingdom || TKO (referee stoppage) || ||
|- style="background:#cfc;"
|- style="background:#cfc;"
| 2014-11-22 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|GBR}} Jennifer Gallagher || The Road to the Main Event || [[Ashton-under-Lyne]], England, United Kingdom || Decision || 5 || 1:30
| 2014-11-22 || Win ||align=left|{{flagdeco|GBR}} Jennifer Gallagher || The Road to the Main Event || [[Ashton-under-Lyne]], England, United Kingdom || Decision || 5 || 1:30
|- style="background:#cfc;"
|- style="background:#cfc;"
| 2014-11-01 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|Wales}} [[Cory McKenna]] || 2 Raw 2 Ready || [[Manchester, England]], [[United Kingdom]] || Decision || 5 || 2:00
| 2014-11-01 || Win ||align=left|{{flagdeco|GBR}} [[Cory McKenna]] || 2 Raw 2 Ready || [[Manchester, England]], United Kingdom || Decision || 5 || 2:00
|-
|-
| colspan=8 | '''''Legend''''': {{legend2|#CCFFCC|Win |border=1px solid #CCFFCC}} {{legend2|#FFBBBB|Loss |border=1px solid #FFBBBB}} {{legend2|#c5d2ea|Draw/No contest |border=1px solid #c5d2ea}} {{legend2|White|Notes |border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
| colspan=8 | '''''Legend''''': {{legend2|#CCFFCC|Win |border=1px solid #CCFFCC}} {{legend2|#FFBBBB|Loss |border=1px solid #FFBBBB}} {{legend2|#c5d2ea|Draw/No contest |border=1px solid #c5d2ea}} {{legend2|White|Notes |border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
Line 318: Line 331:
[[Category:Female Muay Thai practitioners]]
[[Category:Female Muay Thai practitioners]]
[[Category:English people of Bulgarian descent]]
[[Category:English people of Bulgarian descent]]
[[Category:21st-century English sportswomen]]
[[Category:Professional Fighters League female fighters]]

Latest revision as of 23:34, 14 December 2024

Dakota Ditcheva
BornDakota Lili-Joa Ditcheva
(1998-07-25) 25 July 1998 (age 26)
Sale, Greater Manchester, England
Other namesDangerous
Nationality
  • British
  • Bulgarian
Height5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Weight125 lb (57 kg; 8 st 13 lb)
DivisionFlyweight
Reach70 in (178 cm)
StyleMuay Thai, Kickboxing
Fighting out ofAshton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, England
TeamManchester Top Team
Years active2012–present
Kickboxing record
Total11
Wins10
Losses1
Mixed martial arts record
Total14
Wins14
By knockout12
By submission1
By decision1
Losses0
Other information
Notable relativesLisa Howarth (mother)
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Medal record
Representing  Great Britain
Women's Muay Thai
IFMA World Championships
Gold medal – first place 2016 Jonkoping Junior -57kg[1]

Dakota Lili-Joa Ditcheva[2] (Bulgarian: Дакота Дичева; born 25 July 1998) is an English mixed martial artist and former Muay Thai fighter currently competing in the women's Flyweight division of the Professional Fighters League (PFL).[3][4][5][6] She was part of the British team at the 2016 International Federation of Muaythai Amateur World Championships in Jönköping, Sweden, winning gold.[7] She is an overall three-time world champion in the junior divisions[8] and Daily Mirror and Sport England Pride of Sports Young Sportsperson of the Year.[9][10]

Background

[edit]

Born on 25 July 1998, in Sale, Greater Manchester, England, Dakota Ditcheva grew up in a family of martial artists. Her father is Bulgarian, born in Samokov.[11] Her mother, Lisa Howarth, a multiple-time world kickboxing champion, had influenced Dakota's interest in combat sports. Immersed in this environment from a young age, Dakota began her training in various martial arts disciplines, including kickboxing, Muay Thai, and later, Brazilian jiu-jitsu.[12][13][14]

Before transitioning to professional mixed martial arts (MMA), Dakota competed in kickboxing and Muay Thai, winning championships in both disciplines. In May 2016, she represented Great Britain at the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) World Championships, where she earned a gold medal in the female junior 57 kg division.[1]

Dakota describes herself as having two nationalities, English and Bulgarian. She regularly flies a double English-Bulgarian flag and feels proud of both her backgrounds. She speaks a bit of Bulgarian and travels to the country several times per year to visit relatives.[11][15][16]

Dakota is a lifelong fan of football club Manchester City, and replicates various Manchester City players' goal celebrations after winning her fights as a trademark.

Mixed martial arts career

[edit]

In April 2021, Dakota secured a first-round stoppage victory over fellow debutant Jenny Line at Cage Steel 25. Her second fight at Celtic Gladiator 30, five months later, saw a similar outcome, as she defeated Kerry Isom with a first-round TKO.[17]

As Dakota proved her worth, she faced more challenging opponents. At UKFC 17, she faced Patricia Borges, once again securing victory in the first round. Her performance caught the attention of international promotions, leading her to fight at PAWFC 1 in Canada. There, she co-headlined the event against Simone da Silva, finishing the fight in the second round with ground strikes.[17]

Dakota then headed to UAE Warriors 28. Facing another rising star, Paula Cristina, she secured a unanimous decision victory.[18]

Professional Fighters League

[edit]

In July 2022, it was announced that Ditcheva had signed with PFL.[19]

During her PFL MMA debut at PFL 9 in London, Ditcheva overcame Hassana Gaber with a first-round TKO. At the PFL 10 preliminary card, she achieved a first-round knockout against Katherine Corogenes, marking her sixth knockout win in her professional career.[18]

Ditcheva faced Malin Hermansson in the inaugural PFL Europe season on March 25, 2023 at PFL Europe 1.[20] She won the bout in the first round, submitting Hermansson via rear-naked choke.[21]

Ditcheva faced Cornelia Holm in the semifinals at PFL Europe 3 on September 30, 2023, defeating Holm via body punch KO in the third round.[22]

In the PFL Europe Women's Flyweight final, Ditcheva faced Valentina Scatizzi at PFL Europe 4 on December 8, 2023. She won the fight via TKO between the first and second rounds after the cage-side doctor determined Scatizzi's eye was too swollen to continue.[23]

Ditcheva faced Lisa Mauldin at PFL 1 on April 4, 2024 and won the bout by technical knockout by a knee to the body and punches.[24]

Ditcheva faced Chelsea Hackett on June 13, 2024 at PFL 4.[25] She won the fight via body punch TKO in the first round.[26][27]

Ditcheva next faced Jena Bishop in the semi-finals of the 2024 Women's Flyweight tournament at PFL 7 on August 2, 2024, winning the bout via TKO in the first round.[28][29]

In the final, Ditcheva faced Taila Santos on November 29, 2024, at PFL 10.[30] She won the tournament and $1 million prize by technical knockout via body punches in the second round being the first to finish Santos and also becoming the youngest champion in PFL history and the first British female MMA world champion.[31][32]

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]

Mixed martial arts

[edit]

Muay Thai

[edit]

Mixed martial arts record

[edit]
Professional record breakdown
14 matches 14 wins 0 losses
By knockout 12 0
By submission 1 0
By decision 1 0
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 14–0 Taila Santos TKO (punches to the body) PFL 10 (2024) November 29, 2024 2 4:41 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Won the 2024 PFL Women's Flyweight Tournament.
Win 13–0 Jena Bishop TKO (front kick to the body and punch) PFL 7 (2024) August 2, 2024 1 3:54 Nashville, Tennessee, United States 2024 PFL Women's Flyweight Tournament Semifinal.
Win 12–0 Chelsea Hackett TKO (punch to the body) PFL 4 (2024) June 13, 2024 1 3:22 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Win 11–0 Lisa Mauldin TKO (knee to the body and punches) PFL 1 (2024) April 4, 2024 1 3:54 San Antonio, Texas, United States
Win 10–0 Valentina Scatizzi TKO (doctor stoppage) PFL Europe 4 (2023) December 8, 2023 1 5:00 Dublin, Ireland Won the 2023 PFL Europe Women's Flyweight Tournament.
Win 9–0 Cornelia Holm KO (punch to the body) PFL Europe 3 (2023) September 30, 2023 3 2:55 Paris, France 2023 PFL Europe Women's Flyweight Tournament Semifinal.
Win 8–0 Malin Hermansson Submission (rear-naked choke) PFL Europe 1 (2023) March 25, 2023 1 3:52 Newcastle, England 2023 PFL Europe Women's Flyweight Tournament Quarterfinal.
Win 7–0 Katherine Corogenes KO (punch) PFL 10 (2022) November 25, 2022 1 4:20 New York City, New York, United States
Win 6–0 Hassna Gaber TKO (submission to knee to the body) PFL 9 (2022) August 20, 2022 1 0:58 London, England
Win 5–0 Paula Cristina Decision (unanimous) UAE Warriors 28 March 26, 2022 3 5:00 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Flyweight debut.
Win 4–0 Simone da Silva TKO (punches) PAWFC 1 January 15, 2022 2 3:43 Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Win 3–0 Patricia Borges TKO (elbows) UK Fighting Championships 17 November 27, 2021 1 3:58 Preston, England Catchweight (130 lb) bout.
Win 2–0 Kerry Isom TKO (punches) Celtic Gladiator 30 September 12, 2021 1 4:49 Blackburn, England Catchweight (132 lb) bout.
Win 1–0 Jenny Line TKO (elbows and knees) Caged Steel 25 April 10, 2021 1 2:04 Sheffield, England Bantamweight debut.

[33]

Muay Thai record

[edit]
Professional Muay Thai record
10 Wins , 1 Loss
Date Result Opponent Event Location Method Round Time
2017-03-25 Loss Amy Pirnie Yokkao 23 & 24 Bolton, Greater Manchester, England, United Kingdom Decision 5 3:00
2017-02-12 Win Kat Paton Tanko Muay Thai League 1 Manchester, England, United Kingdom TKO 1 2:00
2016-06-25 Win Katia Pinto Machines on Fire St Helens, England, United Kingdom Decision 5 3:00
2016-05-14 Win Emma Bragg The Tanko Main Event Bolton, England, United Kingdom TKO 2
Wins the ISKA Muay Thai British 51kg Championship.
2016-03-19 Win Maria Becerra Yokkao 17 & 18 Bolton, Greater Manchester, England, United Kingdom TKO 1
2015-11-21 Win Myriame Djedidi The Road to the Main Event Ashton-under-Lyne, England, United Kingdom Decision 5 2:00
2015-04-24 Win Hongfah Kor. Jalanfak Bangla Stadium Phuket, Thailand TKO (knee) 1
2015-03-21 Win Sophie Lowe Yokkao 12 & Yokkao 13 England, United Kingdom TKO (referee stoppage)
2014-11-22 Win Jennifer Gallagher The Road to the Main Event Ashton-under-Lyne, England, United Kingdom Decision 5 1:30
2014-11-01 Win Cory McKenna 2 Raw 2 Ready Manchester, England, United Kingdom Decision 5 2:00
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "IFMA World Championships 2016 Jonkoping, Sweden 19-29 May Official Results" (PDF). muaythai.lt. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
  2. ^ "Dakota Ditcheva ("Dangerous") | MMA Fighter Page". Tapology. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
  3. ^ "Dakota Ditcheva: #ThisIsMe". www.bbc.com. BBC. 29 March 2016. Archived from the original on 9 March 2017. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
  4. ^ "How To Harness The Winning Mindset Of An Athlete". Elle UK. 27 April 2016. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
  5. ^ "Dakota claims British title". Messenger Newspapers. 15 July 2016. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
  6. ^ "Trafford College student aims for glory". Messenger. 4 June 2015. Retrieved 26 August 2016.
  7. ^ "Teen Muai Thai sensation Dakota Ditcheva wins gold in the World Championships". Manchester Evening News. 4 June 2016. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
  8. ^ Myall, Steve (30 December 2015). "Is this the next Ronda Rousey?". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
  9. ^ "Pride of Sport Awards: the winners". www.sportengland.org. Sport England. 26 November 2015. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
  10. ^ "Muaythai athlete named "Young Sportsperson of the Year"". www.ifmamuaythai.org. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
  11. ^ a b The Jungle of Sports (1 July 2023). MMA star Dakota Ditcheva: I am half-Bulgarian. YouTube. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
  12. ^ "Meet our Fighters: Dakota Ditcheva | PAWFC". pawfc.com. Archived from the original on 23 September 2023. Retrieved 21 March 2023.
  13. ^ Davies, Harry (26 October 2022). "PFL star Dakota Ditcheva inspired by surge of women's sport in UK". mirror. Retrieved 21 March 2023.
  14. ^ "Sale Muay Thai star becomes British champion in a night of Muay Thai drama". Messenger Newspapers. 20 May 2016. Retrieved 21 March 2023.
  15. ^ "The MMA sensation Dakota Ditcheva: I am half Bulgarian". boec.com. 3 July 2023. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
  16. ^ "Dakota Ditcheva on trash talking, spending $100k and taking PFL Europe to Bulgaria". www.planetsport.com. 30 September 2023. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
  17. ^ a b Hart, Lewis (24 November 2022). "Dakota Ditcheva: A Star in the Making". Combat Sports UK. Retrieved 21 March 2023.
  18. ^ a b "Across The Pond Profile: PFL MMA fighter Dakota Ditcheva". mmauk.net. 29 November 2022. Retrieved 21 March 2023.
  19. ^ "US promotion PFL signs British prospect Ditcheva". BBC Sport. Retrieved 21 March 2023.
  20. ^ Daly, Rhys (7 March 2023). "Dakota Ditcheva gets new PFL Europe opponent in quest for £80,000 payday". Dailystar.co.uk. Retrieved 21 March 2023.
  21. ^ "Ditcheva dominates on PFL Europe debut". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  22. ^ Anderson, Jay (30 September 2023). "Dakota Ditcheva Punches Her Way Into Flyweight Final, Stops Cornelia Holm at PFL Paris". Cageside Press. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
  23. ^ "2023 PFL Europe 4 video: Bulging eye injury causes halt to Dakota Ditcheva vs. Valentina Scatizzi". MMA Junkie. 8 December 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  24. ^ Dewar, Val (5 April 2024). "PFL 1: Undefeated Dakota Ditcheva Mauls Lisa Mauldin, Finishes via Body Shots". Cageside Press. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
  25. ^ "Valentin Moldavsky vs. Linton Vassell headlines 2024 PFL 4 at Mohegan Sun". MMA Junkie. 22 April 2024. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
  26. ^ "Dakota Ditcheva extends unbeaten record with latest KO win". mirror.co.uk. 14 June 2024. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  27. ^ Anderson, Jay (14 June 2024). "Dakota Ditcheva Stops Chelsea Hackett with Body Shot at PFL 4". Cageside Press. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
  28. ^ Anderson, Jay (3 August 2024). "Dakota Ditcheva Wrecks Jena Bishop in Women's Flyweight Semifinal at PFL Nashville". Cageside Press. Retrieved 5 August 2024.
  29. ^ "Unstoppable Ditcheva reaches $1m PFL final". BBC Sport. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  30. ^ Guillen, Adam (17 October 2024). "PFL's 2024 million-dollar Championship mega-event headed to Riyadh on Nov. 29". MMAmania.com. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
  31. ^ Jay Anderson (29 November 2024). "Dakota Ditcheva Rips Body, Puts Away UFC Title Challenger Taila Santos to Claim First PFL Global Title". cagesidepress.com. Retrieved 29 November 2024.
  32. ^ "Ditcheva first British woman to win MMA world title". BBC Sport. Retrieved 29 November 2024.
  33. ^ "Dakota Ditcheva". Sherdog. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
[edit]
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