Dakota Ditcheva Gains New Opponent Options as Two UFC Veterans Join PFL Ranks

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has significantly expanded its roster, welcoming two prominent fighters known for their time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) into a division currently spearheaded by the formidable Dakota Ditcheva.

The year 2024 marked the debut of the PFL`s women`s 125-pound weight class, featuring an inaugural flyweight season with key contenders such as Ditcheva, Liz Carmouche, and Taila Santos.

Ditcheva delivered a dominant performance against Santos in the final, conclusively proving that the acclaim surrounding her is well-deserved. This undefeated knockout artist has made a substantial impact in the mixed martial arts world, and as her profile continues to rise beyond the PFL`s tournament circuit, discussions about her potentially joining the UFC to challenge Valentina Shevchenko in the future gained traction.

However, these rumors were quelled last summer when `Dangerous` Ditcheva committed to a new contract with the PFL. This decision surprised many observers, who had noted a perceived scarcity of suitable opponents for the British fighter within the organization.

In response to these concerns, the PFL appears to have taken substantial steps by integrating two notable former UFC contenders into its flyweight roster.

Dakota Ditcheva Faces New Competition as PFL Welcomes Viviane Araujo and Ariane Lipski da Silva

The PFL has streamlined its operational framework this year, moving away from a previously criticized complex system to adopt a more conventional format featuring distinct divisional titles.

Having clinched both the PFL Europe and PFL Global championships in the last two years, Ditcheva is positioned as a leading candidate to compete for the inaugural divisional belt. With the arrival of two new fighters to the organization, the competition for this claim is set to intensify.

Viviane Araujo and Ariane Lipski da Silva represent the latest talents to transition from the UFC to the PFL. Both Brazilian athletes concluded their tenures with MMA`s premier promotion this year and have since found their new competitive home within the PFL`s SmartCage.

Araujo (13-7) maintained a consistent presence in the UFC`s flyweight top 10 for an extended period, securing impressive victories over fighters including Karine Silva, Jennifer Maia, and Roxanne Modafferi during her six-year career in the Octagon.

Meanwhile, Da Silva (17-11), a former KSW champion, experienced a setback in her UFC aspirations due to a three-fight losing streak. Prior to this challenging period, the fighter known as `Queen of Violence` lived up to her moniker by executing an armbar submission against Casey O’Neill in late 2023.

The 31-year-old is also recognized for one of the most brutal submissions in UFC history, when she famously forced Luana Carolina to tap out with a devastating kneebar five years ago.

Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes 2 Set to Headline PFL`s Upcoming Major Event

The confirmation of the PFL’s recent signings comes just days before the promotion is set to host its upcoming major event in Dubai.

Following their unforgettable title clash last January, Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes are slated for a highly anticipated rematch approximately nine months later, competing for the coveted PFL lightweight title.

This pivotal rematch will serve as the main event for Friday`s PFL Champions Series 3 card at the Coca-Cola Arena, an event that will also showcase other notable fighters such as Corey Anderson, Sergio Pettis, and Caolan Loughran.