MMA: Dakota Ditcheva stops Taila Santos to become first British woman to win MMA world title

Ditcheva came into the bout as arguably the PFL’s biggest female star after a remarkable start to her MMA career.

Since joining the PFL in 2022, she has won nine fights all by stoppage, with seven of her wins coming in the first round.

Brazil’s Santos, 31, is a former UFC flyweight title challenger and was tipped to provide the toughest test of Ditcheva’s career, but like many previous opponents, the Briton made it look easy.

After winning last year’s PFL Europe flyweight title, Ditcheva has transitioned effortlessly to the global stage, securing three first-round knockouts to set up the showpiece bout with Santos.

Ditcheva looked relaxed during her walkout, despite the magnitude of the occasion, dancing her way to the cage as a pocket of fans from the UK cheered the Manchester fighter.

Ditcheva opened the contest with a trio of leg kicks, setting the tone for a dominant performance by navigating the grappling exchanges well.

She outclassed Santos on the feet, attacking with an array of kicks, knees, elbows and punches, bringing “oohs” from the crowd, as the Brazilian struggled to defend herself.

A thudding knee and flurry of body shots midway through the second round signalled the end as the referee stepped in, crowning Ditcheva Britain’s first female MMA world champion.

She celebrated by putting lipstick on in the centre of the octagon, before embracing her team, including her mother and former kickboxing world champion Lisa Howarth, and roaring with joy.

“They’ve been talking, ‘she’s just a Barbie, she should be a model’. Well a model just beat you in round two, so shut up,” said Ditcheva

She then paid tribute to her family, adding: “I honestly could not do this without my team. I cried pretty much every day this camp.”

“These guys have kept me stuck together. My brother put his whole life on hold for me. He’s not even got a girlfriend because he’s always with me. This belt is for him.”