Dakota Ditcheva returned to competition earlier this month at PFL New York, where she defeated Denise Kielholtz by unanimous decision in her first bout in just over a year. The victory extended her unbeaten professional record to 16 fights. However, Ditcheva revealed that she sustained injuries to both hands during the contest.
The British fighter stated that she began experiencing hand pain during the second round but chose not to inform her corner or coaching staff about the injuries at the time. She kept the damage concealed until after exiting the cage. Ditcheva is now undergoing treatment with splints while awaiting direction from her surgeon regarding next steps, with decisions expected within days.
Ditcheva explained that one of the current injuries involves a hand that she had previously chosen not to undergo surgery on following an earlier break. She had been warned at that time that the hand could break again if left untreated, but opted against the procedure. The other injury consists of a fracture on another finger. She clarified that neither injury represents a completely new break, but rather reinjuries or complications from prior damage.
The setback adds to Ditcheva’s recent challenges, as she had been sidelined since July 2025 due to a fractured left hand, followed by another fracture in her other hand five months later. Despite the latest injuries, Ditcheva expressed determination to return to competition. She acknowledged the emotional toll of the situation but stated confidence that her recovery period will be shorter than her previous absence and that her career will continue beyond this setback.
Ditcheva is recognized as one of the PFL’s leading athletes and among Britain’s most accomplished mixed martial arts competitors. In 2024, she won the PFL’s flyweight tournament, becoming the first British woman to secure a major MMA world championship and earning a $1 million prize.
Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source
Article summary produced by Claude AI