Dakota Ditcheva ruthlessly stopped Valentina Scatizzi to become the first-ever Professional Fighters League [PFL] European flyweight champion on Friday night.
The undefeated former kickboxing prodigy hammered away with kicks to the body and head throughout the early stages of round one before her opponent initiated multiple wrestling exchanges.
Ditcheva is an elite-level striker, just like her mum
Ditcheva was able to shake off the attacks and landed countless knees from the clinch position UFC legend Anderson Silva enjoyed using during his early days with MMA’s premier promotion.
After five minutes, Scatizzi’s left eye was swollen shut, and nothing could stop the cageside doctor from assessing what looked to be catastrophic damage.
Ultimately, he decided to wave off the bout and give Ditcheva another win.
The 10-0 prospect will not only walk away with a shiny new belt, but she’s also heading home with a $100,000 bonus cheque – something awarded to all of the inguinal PFL European champions.
Ahead of her biggest fight to date, the Manchester native was delighted to have a big payday in front of her, especially as opportunities like this weren’t always available to her famous kickboxer mum, Lisa Howarth.
“It’s crazy to see someone at this stage of their career, who is still building and things like that, is getting opportunities to win that type of money,” Ditcheva told talkSPORT.com.
“I don’t think the money to me is more important than the win. I want a clean record. I want to be the no.1 female in Europe and that’s what I’m thinking about most.
“The money is great, it’s a bonus, but I haven’t spent it in my head yet. My brothers have, but I’m more thinking about getting that win on my record and coming away 10-0.”
‘Dangerous’ lived up to her nickname in round oneCredit: PFL/DAZN
But she checked on her rival once the job was doneCredit: PFL
Ditcheva will now enjoy Christmas with her family before gearing up for what promises to be a big 2024 after cementing herself as a British prospect to keep an eye on.
PFL will not be running a flyweight tournament next year, so she will have to look for a marquee fight if she hopes to get another monster payday.
Boxing icon Amanda Serrano fights at her weight and has just signed a PFL deal.
Perhaps, they could meet in a crossover bout at some point next year.
