Dakota Ditcheva, the reigning PFL flyweight world champion, has recently voiced her disappointment over not having any immediate fights scheduled. Despite her impressive record of 14 wins, including 12 knockouts, Ditcheva finds herself on the sidelines as the Professional Fighters League (PFL) undergoes significant restructuring.

The Champion's Dilemma

Ditcheva, hailing from Manchester, clinched the PFL's 2024 flyweight world title. However, the PFL's decision to downgrade the tournament status has left her without a clear path to defend her title. She is set to compete in the newly created 'PFL Champions Series' in 2025 but must watch as other flyweights begin their tournament journey this month.

Seeking Competition

"I'm gutted that I haven't had anything just yet," Ditcheva lamented in an interview with MMA Junkie. "I'm just like: Get me anything. Literally, I get it's hard for PFL. They've put all the girls in the tournament. Now they have to find someone that's going to give me a good competition."

The PFL has informed Ditcheva that she might fight the tournament winner by year's end, having last fought in November. However, she raises concerns about the champion's potential injuries or unwillingness to fight. "What if the champion doesn't end up coming out of the fight clean? What if they're injured?" she questioned.

A Year of Uncertainty

Ditcheva expressed her frustration over the possible delay: "Someone who has fought three times, do they want to fight me at the end of the year? They might say, 'sorry, I'm injured, or I don't want to fight this year, I'll do it in January'. That's a whole year out for me. It's testing for sure, but something will come."

Broader Issues in PFL Scheduling

Ditcheva is not alone in her grievances. Several PFL stars have spoken out about scheduling issues, with some demanding their release from the promotion. Former Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Eblen also posted on social media about his silence regarding any upcoming fights.

The Fighters' Plea

Briton Fabian Edwards, who lost to Eblen in his last outing in October, is set to compete in the middleweight tournament. He appealed to the PFL to book their best fighters promptly. "To see all those guys on the sidelines for a year or over a year, it's craziness. I just hope they can sort out what they need to sort out," Edwards said. "This is how we make our living. This is what we sacrifice everything for. Hopefully, they sort everything out."

Conclusion

As the PFL continues to navigate its new structure, fighters like Dakota Ditcheva await their chance to prove their mettle once again. Her unwavering determination and hunger for competition highlight the resilience of a true champion. Fans eagerly anticipate her return to the octagon, hoping for a thrilling showdown that will reaffirm her dominance in the flyweight division.