Dakota Ditcheva Set to Face Denise Kielholtz in Dubai on Feb. 7

URGENT UPDATE: PFL star Dakota Ditcheva is set to make her highly anticipated return to the octagon on February 7, 2026, in Dubai, facing off against Denise Kielholtz in a non-title flyweight bout. This exciting matchup was confirmed by PFL officials earlier today, marking the kick-off of the promotion’s 2026 calendar.

The event, titled PFL: Road to Dubai, will also feature a headline lightweight title fight between Usman Nurmagomedov and Alfie Davis. Fans are eagerly awaiting this thrilling card as it promises to deliver top-tier action right from the start of the year.

Ditcheva, boasting an impressive record of 15-0, has been sidelined since July 2025 due to a broken hand sustained during a decision victory over Sumiko Inaba. This injury restricted Ditcheva to just one fight last year, but the 27-year-old fighter is determined to return to form and showcase her skills following a new multi-fight contract with PFL.

Kielholtz, a seasoned competitor with a record of 8-5, is known for her striking prowess as a former professional kickboxer and a Bellator MMA title challenger. She previously fought for the Bellator title in 2021, narrowly losing to Julianna Velasquez via split decision. This matchup adds an extra layer of intrigue as both fighters aim to prove themselves on a grand stage.

With the fight just weeks away, anticipation is building among fans and analysts alike. Ditcheva’s comeback will not only signify her resilience but also her quest to reclaim her position among the elite in women’s flyweight MMA. As she prepares for this pivotal clash, all eyes will be on Dubai to see if she can maintain her unbeaten streak against a formidable opponent in Kielholtz.

Stay tuned for more updates as the fight date approaches. This is a must-watch event for MMA enthusiasts worldwide!