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Dakota Ditcheva Returns, Wins Unanimous Decision at PFL

8/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Dakota Ditcheva returned from a broken hand to win by unanimous decision against Denise Kielholtz at PFL New York on July 31 2026.
Three judges gave her every round, resulting in a 16-0 record with 102 strikes to 64.
The fight occurred after the PFL merged with Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), with Jake Paul watching cageside.
Ditcheva said her mother Lisa Howarth guided her training and inspired brand VANN and Octa FC co-presidency.

History

Historical Context

After the IFC staged the United States’ first women’s MMA bout in March 1997 and Strikeforce featured a female main event in August 2009, the UFC signed Ronda Rousey in November 2012. Her victory over Liz Carmouche at UFC 157 in November 2013 – a fight that sold about 7,000 PPV buys – opened the door for later stars like Dakota Ditcheva, who went 16-0 at the PFL New York show in July 2026.

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Story summary

Dakota Ditcheva returned from a broken hand to win by unanimous decision against Denise Kielholtz at PFL New York on July 31 2026.
Three judges gave her every round, resulting in a 16-0 record with 102 strikes to 64.
The fight occurred after the PFL merged with Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), with Jake Paul watching cageside.
Ditcheva said her mother Lisa Howarth guided her training and inspired brand VANN and Octa FC co-presidency.

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