DAKOTA DITCHEVA is the Brit abroad hailed as the "next MMA superstar" who has Jake Paul and Conor McGregor as fans.
The avid City supporter moved from Manchester to Florida to train at the illustrious American Top Team.
Signed to the Professional Fighters League, in 2023 she won the three-stage knockout PFL Europe tournament and $100,000 prize.
It earned her a spot in the $1million winner-take-all global season this year which consists of qualification and knockout stages.
In Ditcheva's first bout of the PFL campaign, she knocked out Chelsea Hackett in round one in a stoppage that went rival.
But down-to-earth Ditcheva did not even see the social media post at first or realise she is followed by UFC icon McGregor.
She told SunSport: "It shocked me. To be honest, I don't look at comments, because obviously you get the bad with the good, so I never really go through them.
"So I miss a lot but for someone like Jake, it's massive. Especially with him being with the PFL, it broke the internet and he's broke the internet quite a few times.
"So to have someone like that obviously mentioning your name is massive, not just for fighting wise, but like promotional wise.
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"Everyone was like, 'Wow, Jake Paul's tweeted.' Even the other day, my brother's friend actually said, 'You know Conor McGregor follows Dakota on Twitter?
"And I was like, what? Even stuff like that shocks me all the time. But obviously, to have people like that kind of knowing who you are in the sport is massive."
Despite the likes of Paul, 27, and others tipping Ditcheva, 25, for big things, the flyweight knows she must prove it in the cage.
She said: "What makes me get confidence is how I'm performing in the gym, not what someone's writing on the internet, you know?
"So for me, I appreciate the nice comments and things like that, but at the same time, it doesn't go to my head.
"How I'm performing in the gym is how I how I rate myself. It is nice to know that people are behind you, to hear people talking like that for sure.
"To hear people say, 'You know, she's gonna be massive, the next superstar.' From people that are around so many athletes and so many fighters.
"It is obviously very motivating. But at the same time, I'm more motivated by the way I'm performing in the gym."
The PFL season starts with two regular season bouts, where points are earned per method of victory.
From there, the top four in each division progress to win the semis before culminating in a series of finale fights where $1m is at stake.
Ditcheva returns on June on August 2 in Nashville against American Jena Bishop looking to book her place in the last four.
Dakota Ditcheva's Rise to Fame
Dakota Ditcheva is a rising star in the world of mixed martial arts. She has quickly gained recognition for her impressive fighting skills and her captivating personality. However, her path to success has been anything but ordinary. Ditcheva's journey began in the world of Muay Thai, where she excelled as an amateur competitor. Her natural talent and dedication to the sport led her to a championship title. While Muay Thai was her initial focus, Ditcheva's passion for fighting extended beyond the striking arts. She was drawn to the dynamic and diverse world of MMA.
Moving to Florida and American Top Team
Ditcheva's determination to reach the pinnacle of MMA led her to relocate to Florida, a hub for some of the world's best fighters and training facilities. She chose to train at American Top Team (ATT), a renowned MMA gym known for producing some of the biggest names in the sport. The decision to move away from home and immerse herself in the competitive environment of ATT showcased Ditcheva's commitment to achieving her goals. The move also reflects her willingness to push herself beyond her comfort zone and embrace the challenges that come with striving for greatness.
PFL Success and the $1 Million Prize
In 2023, Ditcheva made a significant stride in her career by joining the Professional Fighters League (PFL), a promotion known for its unique format and lucrative prize money. She participated in the PFL Europe tournament, where she showcased her dominance with three consecutive knockout victories. This remarkable feat earned her the tournament title and a $100,000 prize. Ditcheva's success in the PFL Europe tournament proved her ability to perform at a high level and her readiness for the global stage. It also opened the door for her to compete for the $1 million prize in the PFL's main season.
The Next MMA Superstar?
Ditcheva's fighting prowess and rising profile haven't gone unnoticed. Jake Paul, a prominent figure in both the boxing and MMA worlds, has labeled her as "the next MMA superstar." This recognition from a respected figure in the sport is a testament to Ditcheva's talent and potential. Even Conor McGregor, one of the most famous and successful MMA fighters of all time, follows Ditcheva on Twitter. Such high-profile endorsements only add to the hype surrounding Ditcheva's career.
From Muay Thai Champion to MMA Superstar
Dakota Ditcheva's journey from Muay Thai champion to MMA superstar is a testament to her dedication, talent, and unwavering determination. Her commitment to her craft, combined with her impressive fighting skills, has made her a force to be reckoned with in the world of MMA. With the support of renowned training facilities like American Top Team and the recognition of high-profile figures like Jake Paul and Conor McGregor, Ditcheva is poised for a successful future in the sport. As she continues to climb the ranks of the PFL, her name is sure to become synonymous with the next generation of MMA superstars.
The Importance of Confidence and Performance
While Ditcheva acknowledges the positive impact of recognition from high-profile figures, she emphasizes that her confidence ultimately stems from her own performance and training. This grounded approach demonstrates her focus and commitment to continuous improvement. Ditcheva's belief in her own capabilities and her relentless pursuit of excellence are key drivers of her success.
A Look Ahead
Dakota Ditcheva's journey in the PFL is far from over. She is determined to prove her worth in the cage and achieve the ultimate goal of winning the $1 million prize. Her next fight against Jena Bishop on August 2 in Nashville is a crucial step towards her ultimate goal. The outcome of this fight will determine whether Ditcheva can secure a spot in the PFL's semifinals, bringing her one step closer to the coveted championship title.
