Dakota Ditcheva has rapidly become one of the most exciting and dominant forces in women’s MMA. Known for her striking power and undefeated record, she’s a two-time Professional Fighters League (PFL) champion and the first British woman to win a major MMA world title. Here’s an in-depth look at her life, career, and rise to international stardom.
Dakota Ditcheva’s Biography
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Dakota Lili-Joa Ditcheva |
| Nickname | Dangerous |
| Date of Birth | July 25, 1998 |
| Age | 26 years |
| Birthplace | Sale, Greater Manchester, England |
| Nationality | British and Bulgarian |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| College | South Trafford College (BTEC in Sport Coaching, Development & Fitness) |
| Religion | N/A |
| Turned Pro | April 2021 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2 million |
| Salary (per fight) | $150,000 – $350,000 (plus $1 million tournament prize in 2024) |
| Spouse | Not married |
| Relationship Status | N/A |
| Children | N/A |
| @dakotaditcheva |
Early Career
Dakota Ditcheva was born into a family of fighters—her mother, Lisa Howarth, is a world kickboxing champion, and her father, Ivo Ditchev, is a martial artist. Growing up in Sale, Greater Manchester, Dakota started training in Muay Thai and kickboxing as a child, competing in her first bout at age four. She became a standout in junior Muay Thai, winning multiple world titles and a gold medal at the 2016 IFMA World Championships. Her early success and family legacy set the stage for her transition to professional MMA.
Professional Career
Dakota made her professional MMA debut in April 2021 after dominating the amateur kickboxing and Muay Thai circuits. Quickly establishing herself as a knockout artist, she signed with the PFL in 2022 and stormed through the women’s flyweight division. Her aggressive style and striking prowess led to a string of first-round finishes, culminating in back-to-back championships: the 2023 PFL Europe Women’s Flyweight title and the 2024 full-season PFL Women’s Flyweight Championship. She became the youngest PFL champion and the first British female world champion in a major MMA promotion. Her undefeated record (14-0) and 86% knockout rate have made her a global star and a role model for aspiring fighters.
Dakota Ditcheva’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Dakota Ditcheva’s estimated net worth is at least $2 million. This figure is based on her fight purses, championship winnings (including a $1 million PFL tournament prize in 2024), and various sponsorships and endorsements. With her growing popularity and potential future contracts, her net worth is expected to rise further.
Fight Purses
| Event | Date | Opponent | Purse | Notes |
| PFL 2024 World Championship | Nov 29, 2024 | Taila Santos | $1,150,000 | $150k purse + $1M bonus |
| PFL 7: 2024 Playoffs | Aug 2, 2024 | Jena Bishop | $150,000 | |
| PFL 4: 2024 Regular Season | Jun 13, 2024 | Chelsea Hackett | $150,000 | |
| PFL 1: 2024 Regular Season | Apr 4, 2024 | Lisa Mauldin | $150,000 | |
| PFL Europe 4: 2023 Championships | Dec 8, 2023 | Valentina Scatizzi | $100,000* | Estimated |
Endorsements
- Gym King (sportswear)
- Love Hemp (CBD and wellness products)
- Various fitness brands and combat sports gear companies
Career Records
| Date | Event | Opponent | Result | Method | Round/Time |
| Nov 29, 2024 | PFL 2024 World Championship | Taila Santos | Win | KO/TKO | 2 / 4:41 |
| Aug 2, 2024 | PFL 7: 2024 Playoffs | Jena Bishop | Win | KO/TKO | 1 / 3:54 |
| Jun 13, 2024 | PFL 4: 2024 Regular Season | Chelsea Hackett | Win | KO/TKO | 1 / 3:22 |
| Apr 4, 2024 | PFL 1: 2024 Regular Season | Lisa Mauldin | Win | KO/TKO | 1 / 3:54 |
| Dec 8, 2023 | PFL Europe 4: 2023 Championships | Valentina Scatizzi | Win | TKO (Doctor Stoppage) | 1 / 5:00 |
| Sep 30, 2023 | PFL Europe 3 Playoffs | Cornelia Holm | Win | KO/TKO | 3 / 2:55 |
| Mar 25, 2023 | PFL Europe | Malin Hermansson | Win | Submission | 1 / 3:52 |
| Nov 25, 2022 | PFL 2022 World Championship | Katherine Corogenes | Win | KO/TKO | 1 / 4:20 |
FAQs
1. Who is Dakota Ditcheva?
Dakota Ditcheva is a British mixed martial artist and former Muay Thai fighter competing in the women’s Flyweight division of the Professional Fighters League (PFL). She is known for her striking skills and undefeated MMA record.
2. What is Dakota Ditcheva’s fight record?
She holds an undefeated professional MMA record of 14 wins, 0 losses, with 12 wins by knockout, 1 by submission, and 1 by decision.
3. What notable championships has Dakota Ditcheva won?
Ditcheva won gold at the 2016 IFMA Muay Thai World Championships, the 2023 PFL Europe Women’s Flyweight Championship, and the 2024 PFL Women’s Flyweight World Championship, becoming the youngest PFL world champion.
4. What is Dakota Ditcheva’s fighting style?
Her fighting style is primarily striking-based, rooted in Muay Thai and kickboxing, complemented by Brazilian jiu-jitsu for grappling and submissions.
5. What is Dakota Ditcheva’s background and early life?
Born on July 25, 1998, in Sale, Greater Manchester, England, she grew up in a martial arts family. Her mother, Lisa Howarth, is a multiple-time world kickboxing champion, which inspired Dakota’s early start in combat sports.
6. What teams does Dakota Ditcheva train with?
She trains with Manchester Top Team in England and also spends time training at American Top Team in Florida, benefiting from world-class coaching and training partners.
7. What is Dakota Ditcheva’s physical profile?
She stands 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) tall, weighs around 125 pounds (57 kg), and has a reach of 70 inches (178 cm), fitting well within the Flyweight division.
8. What are some of Dakota Ditcheva’s signature achievements in MMA?
She became the first British female MMA world champion, won the 2024 PFL Women’s Flyweight title with a $1 million prize, and has an 86% knockout rate in her professional fights.
9. When and where is Dakota Ditcheva’s next fight?
Her next scheduled fight is against Sumiko Inaba on July 19, 2025, at the PFL Champions Series event in Cape Town.
10. What personal interests does Dakota Ditcheva have outside fighting?
She is a lifelong fan of Manchester City football club and often celebrates her victories by mimicking the goal celebrations of Manchester City players. She also embraces her English and Bulgarian heritage, speaking some Bulgarian and flying a double flag.