Dakota Ditcheva shrugged off an injured hand as she outclassed Sumiko Inaba to win by unanimous decision at the PFL Champions Series in South Africa.
The Manchester fighter never looked in danger as she pummelled Inaba throughout, before easing off in the final round after telling her corner “I’ve broken my hand”.
Inaba couldn’t capitalise as Ditcheva cruised to the final bell, using kicks to keep the American at bay as she extended the unbeaten start to her career to 15.
“I think I injured my left hand. I think I’m gutted because I’ve been out for so long and then I’m injured again, but I hope you guys enjoyed it,” said a teary Ditcheva.
The bout was the 26-year-old’s first in eight months after becoming the first British woman to win an MMA world title in November.
Ditcheva had voiced her frustrations pre-fight at the eight-month lay-off but confirmed after beating Inaba she has signed a new deal with the PFL.
“I have just re-signed with PFL, we’ve come to a great agreement and I’m gonna look forward to the next few years together in front of crowds like this. You guys really set a standard,” she revealed.
The fight card was also the first major MMA event to take place in Africa and Ditcheva paid tribute to the crowd, adding “that was the best walkout I’ve ever had, thank you so much”.