PFL’s Ditcheva to Face Kielholtz on February 7 in Dubai

URGENT UPDATE: PFL star Dakota Ditcheva is set to return to the octagon for an exciting non-title flyweight clash against Denise Kielholtz on February 7, 2026, in Dubai. This matchup was confirmed by PFL officials earlier today and marks a significant moment for Ditcheva, who has only fought once this year due to injury.

The event, titled PFL: Road to Dubai, is the first on the promotion’s 2026 calendar and will feature a thrilling lightweight title fight headlined by Usman Nurmagomedov facing Alfie Davis. Fans and followers of mixed martial arts are buzzing with anticipation as Ditcheva, boasting an undefeated record of 15-0, steps back into the ring following a lengthy recovery period.

Ditcheva last competed in July 2025, where she secured a decision victory over Sumiko Inaba despite suffering a broken hand during the fight. This marked the first time in her career that she was pushed the distance. Shortly after, she announced a new multi-fight contract with the PFL, signaling her commitment and ambition within the organization.

The 27-year-old Ditcheva is not only a rising star but also a former world tournament champion who showcased her skills by defeating seasoned competitors such as Taila Santos and Jena Bishop during her successful 2024 campaign. Fans are eager to see how she will perform against Kielholtz, who, with a professional record of 8-5, brings a wealth of experience as a former kickboxer and a previous title challenger in Bellator MMA.

Kielholtz is known for her striking prowess and previously battled Julianna Velasquez for the Bellator title in 2021, narrowly losing by split decision. As she prepares for this matchup, the stakes are high for both fighters, making the February showdown one to watch.

With the PFL expanding its roster and events, this matchup not only has championship implications but also contributes to the growing narrative of women’s MMA in the sport. Fans are encouraged to mark their calendars for this highly anticipated event, which promises to deliver action-packed moments and potential career-defining outcomes for both athletes.

Stay tuned for more updates as we approach this exciting event in Dubai!