Dakota Ditcheva was announced to the fans at the PFL World Championships with the moniker “Dangerous,” and the English striker showed exactly why with an impressive first-round knockout in New York City.
Ditcheva took on previously undefeated Katherine Corogenes in a women’s flyweight showcase bout on the preliminary card of the event, which took place at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.
Ditcheva had earned her spot on the PFL roster with a 58-second knockout of Hassna Gaber at the PFL Playoffs, and followed up in impressive fashion against Corogenes as she lit up her opponent on the feet, then dished out punishment on the ground in an impressive start.
Ditcheva then applied the finishing touches to an outstanding performance after referee Dan Miragliotta returned the action back to the stand-up.
The English striker stuffed a single-leg takedown attempt, hurt her opponent with knees in the clinch, then let her hands go to devastating effect. A huge right hand decked Corogenes, before Ditcheva made absolutely sure with a follow-up hammerfist as Miragliotta dived in.
It took Ditcheva just four minutes, 20 seconds to extend her perfect professional record to 7-0 and give the world a glimpse of her star potential at 125 pounds.
ROCKET RIGHT HAND FROM DAKOTA FOR THE WIN! 🚀
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— PFL (@PFLMMA) November 25, 2022
“That feels good!” she told PFL commentator Sean O’Connell after her win.
“D’you know what? I woke up this morning and the first thing I saw on my phone was an interview she did about crushing my dreams.
“Let me tell you one thing, this hype train stops for nobody! I don’t care who you are, this hype train will keep rolling. Just keep bringing them to me, one by one. And, like Brendan (Loughnane) said, I woke up this morning, and I will choose violence every single day!”
Ditcheva looks all set to be a part of a huge year for the promotion in 2023, as the PFL looks to expand its reach across Europe with its new PFL Europe season, and the 24-year-old from Manchester can’t wait to get stuck in.
“This is massive,” she said.
“I just want to say a massive thank you to the PFL because I honestly feel like I’m in a movie sometimes. Being in New York this week, and being able to come back and compete and make my US debut, and go out with a win like that.
“Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity. I can’t wait to kick-start PFL Europe next year, because you guys are doing amazing things for us fighters. So, thank you so much!”