Dakota Ditcheva outclassed Denise Kielholtz as the Briton marked her return from injury with a comfortable win by unanimous decision at PFL New York.
Ditcheva, who had not fought since breaking her left hand just over a year ago, extended the unbeaten start to her career to 16 fights.
The win for Ditcheva, who triumphed in the PFL flyweight tournament in 2024, was a timely reminder to fans of why she is one of Britain’s most talented and exciting fighters.
Although Ditcheva could not add to her 12 career knockouts – nine of which have come in the first round – she outstruck Dutch fighter Kielholtz 102-64.
Ditcheva’s win cements her status as one of the biggest stars in the PFL just days after the organisation’s merge with Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), while MVP co-founder Jake Paul was cage-side to watch the fights at the UBS Arena.
Ditcheva, 28, has had a frustrating year after her return was delayed in February when she suffered an injury to her opposite hand.
But she displayed her trademark confidence during her walkout as she sported a relaxed smile, before quickly finding her groove after the opening bell.
Using her superior height to her advantage, Ditcheva kept the 37-year-old Kielholtz at bay for the majority of the contest with a number of rangy kicks.