The very first PFL women’s flyweight championship fight will not include the division’s biggest star.
Dakota Ditcheva is widely regarded as one of the top fighters competing outside of the UFC, having extended her undefeated record to 16-0.
She recently returned to action in the PFL following a lengthy injury layoff. After 12 months out due to a broken hand, Ditcheva defeated Denise Kielholtz in her comeback.
While many had hoped that result would mark a return to frequent activity for the highly regarded flyweight, the injury curse has immediately struck again. As a result, the division will need to move forward without her for the time being.
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Both Usman Nurmagomedov and Dakota Ditcheva stayed undefeated at PFL New York.
Liz Carmouche vs Jena Bishop 2 announced as inaugural PFL flyweight title fight amid Dakota Ditcheva’s absence
Ditcheva’s planned next fight was quickly lined up after her return win, with PFL CEO John Martin announcing that she would likely be facing Liz Carmouche.
That clash has long been discussed, with the ex-UFC title challenger and Bellator champion believing the British star has been protected ever since she won the 2025 PFL women’s flyweight tournament to set up the showdown.
The wait for the promotion’s top two fighters at 125 pounds to do battle was almost over, but Ditcheva broke both of her hands against Kielholtz, marking a devastating injury setback for the undefeated star.
There will be no waiting for her return this time around before a flyweight champion is crowned, as the PFL announced on Wednesday that Carmouche will instead challenge for the inaugural belt in a rematch against Jena Bishop.
In a press release, the promotion confirmed that Carmouche vs Bishop 2 will headline PFL Chicago at the Wintrust Arena on October 16.
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Carmouche brutally knocked out Bishop in their first fight one year ago. The result earned her a PFL tournament title a couple of years on from her reign as Bellator women’s flyweight queen.
‘Girl-Rilla’ fell short of adding a UFC title to her resume when she was submitted by Ronda Rousey in the very first women’s fight inside the Octagon 13 years ago. She was later outpointed by Valentina Shevchenko in her second championship opportunity.
While she now attempts to repeat her 2025 triumph over Bishop, Ditcheva will be watching from the sidelines ahead of her likely chance to meet the winner down the line.
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