Dakota Ditcheva defended Valentina Shevchenko after the Ultimate champion was criticized for her fighting style in her dominant victory over Weili Zhang at UFC 322. Despite her solid and efficient performance, the Kyrgyzstani fighter was accused by some fans of having a conservative and unexciting fight. When questioned about the issue, the PFL star showed understanding for the champion's stance, even though she doesn't see herself repeating the same approach in her own career.
In a conversation with Ariel Helwani, Ditcheva explained that she doesn't believe her nature allows her to adopt an overly cautious strategy. On the other hand, the fighter acknowledged that athletes of Shevchenko's caliber, with an already established legacy in the sport, tend to prioritize maintaining their position at the top and the longevity of their careers, avoiding unnecessary risks at crucial moments.
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“I hope that one day I won’t do this anymore. I feel that my essence would never allow me to simply play it safe. I would always be the type of person who moves on. But, on the other hand, when you are someone like Valentina and have built that kind of legacy, you don’t want to leave the stage without being at the top,” said Dakota Ditcheva.
Who is Dakota Ditcheva?
Dakota Ditcheva won $1 million by defeating Taila Santos in the PFL finals / PFL Reproduction
Considered by many to be the biggest star in women's MMA outside of the UFC, Dakota Ditcheva is at the peak of her career at 27 years old. Undefeated, the British fighter reigns supreme in the PFL and boasts an impressive record of 15 wins, 12 by knockout and one by submission.
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