PFL's Dakota Ditcheva claims her rivals are 'jealous' of her rise

Tim Bissell

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Publish Date: 11/29/2024

2024 PFL World Championship fighter Dakota Ditcheva. (Matt Ferris / PFL)

Dakota Ditcheva has a chance to steal the show at the 2024 PFL World Championships this weekend. The rising striker faces former UFC title challenger Taila Santos in the finale of the PFL regular season flyweight tournament.

If Ditcheva gets by Santos she will win a million dollars. But she stands to win more than just money, though. Due to her exciting style (and lots of finishes) Ditcheva is on the verge of a major MMA breakthrough.

The attention on Ditcheva is not without its drawbacks, though. The English fighter recently said there is some jealousy out there over her rise to prominence.

Are fighters jealous of Dakota Ditcheva?

Dakota Ditcheva said "There is definitely a little bit of jealousy, I think, and a bit of frustration from a few fighters."

She offered this when talking to MMA Fighting's Damon Martin about the attention she has been receiving heading into this weekend's fight in Riyadh.

“I get it," she continued. "It’s a business. We have to be able to sell these fights in order to get paid. If you want to get paid, do something. Make your fights exciting or get on social media and make an effort. You have to. The people that were mad at these fighters, certain fighters making money, but if you look at the ones making money, it’s the personalities in the sport. Or the fighters that are doing something different.

“I don’t know why anybody is getting frustrated just with me. Because I’m just like getting what I can out of my years in this sport and I feel like that would be the clever thing to do.”

Dakota Ditcheva Reacts to 'Jealousy' From Other Fighters About Her Popularity - MMA Fighting

Dakota Ditcheva breaks down PFL finale fight

Dakota Ditcheva also opened up about her PFL finale fight opposite Taila Santos (a woman many people believe beat UFC champion Valentina Shevchenko).

“She’s a very good fighter,” Ditcheva said. “I respect her a lot. She was a fighter I watched in the UFC. I know how tough she is. I know she’s a dangerous person. I always thought her striking was amazing there. I know who I’m up against but at the same time, I don’t feel like I’m not showing anything she showed. I feel like it’s going to be a very good fight and I’m excited for it for sure."

Despite having lots of respect for her Brazilian opponent, Ditcheva stated that was more than confident in her ability to get the W (and the seven figure cheque).

“I know what I’m capable of. Definitely [I could finish the fight] and that’s what I will make happen if the opportunity’s there at the time, I will make sure I take the finish 100 percent. I’m ready for a five-round fight. I train for that every time but I’m not the type of fighter to go in there and be satisfied with a five-round fight.”

Hunting For KOs! 👀 | Dakota "Dangerous" Ditcheva Finishes in PFL 👊💥

When is the 2024 PFL Championship?

The 2024 PFL Championship happens on Friday, November 29, 2024.

The PFL card’s prelims start at 7:15 a.m. ET. The main card, featuring the regular season PFL tournament finales, airs immediately after that at 1 p.m. ET.

For full fight card details and streaming options for the 2024 PFL World Championships go here.