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
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
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]
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]
