BREAKING: PFL star Dakota Ditcheva will face Denise Kielholtz in a highly anticipated non-title flyweight bout on February 7, 2026, in Dubai. This exciting matchup, confirmed by PFL officials earlier today, marks the kickoff of the promotion’s 2026 season at the event titled PFL: Road to Dubai.
After a limited 2025 season, Ditcheva (15-0) returns to the octagon following a lengthy recovery from a broken hand sustained during her decision victory over Sumiko Inaba in July. Remarkably, that fight marked the first time Ditcheva went the distance in her career. The 27-year-old from Manchester has signed a new, multi-fight contract with PFL, ensuring her presence in the promotion for the foreseeable future.
The event will also feature a thrilling lightweight title fight between Usman Nurmagomedov and Alfie Davis, underscoring the significance of this card. Ditcheva, who claimed the PFL world tournament title in 2024, defeated notable opponents such as Taila Santos and Jena Bishop on her path to victory.
Kielholtz (8-5), a former professional kickboxer and Bellator MMA title challenger, aims to make a statement against Ditcheva. She previously challenged Julianna Velasquez for the Bellator title in 2021, narrowly losing by split decision. This matchup promises to deliver high stakes and intense competition as both fighters look to assert themselves in the flyweight division.
As anticipation builds for this clash in Dubai, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Ditcheva will perform after her hiatus. With an undefeated record and a fresh contract with PFL, she is poised to make a significant impact in 2026.
Stay tuned for more updates as the event approaches, and mark your calendars for what promises to be an electrifying night of fights on February 7!
