Ditcheva Cleared, Eyes Bishop-Carmouche Winner in 2027

Dakota Ditcheva says she has been medically cleared to resume striking and is targeting an early 2027 return to challenge for the PFL women's flyweight title.

Ditcheva has not fought since breaking both hands again during her July win over Denise Kielholtz, but she told the PFL Chicago broadcast that doctors gave her the green light to start punching in training again after already working back into grappling.

"I got cleared yesterday to go back training now, so I can slowly start punching again," Ditcheva said. "I've been grappling already, so that everything feels fine like it did last time."

"I'm ready to go February, March. I would love to get in and challenge someone for the belt."

Who Would Ditcheva Fight Next?

Ditcheva wants the winner of the PFL Chicago flyweight title fight between Jena Bishop and Liz Carmouche, and that winner is Bishop. Bishop took a unanimous decision over Carmouche, with all three judges scoring the bout 48-47 to claim the 125 pound belt. The win also doubled as payback for Bishop, who had previously lost to Carmouche before turning the tables this time around.

A Ditcheva fight with Bishop would settle its own old business. Bishop lost to Ditcheva in a 2024 tournament semifinal, and a title shot against her now would give Bishop the chance to avenge that defeat while defending her new belt.

Can Ditcheva Keep Winning Through Injury?

Ditcheva is 16-0 and has built her reputation partly on fighting through adversity, pointing out that she finished her last fight with two broken hands and still won comfortably. "So tell me what I can't do now," she said, framing the recurring injuries as something she has learned to fight around rather than a red flag.

That track record matters for how sportsbooks and fans will view her return. A fighter who has repeatedly fought multiple rounds on fractured hands and still gotten her hand raised is a tougher out than the injury history alone would suggest, and oddsmakers tend to respect in-cage toughness once it is established on tape. Still, repeated hand fractures are a real variable for any matchmaker and bettor to track once a firm date and opponent are set, since durability concerns can affect how a line opens even for a heavy favorite.

Nothing is official yet beyond Ditcheva's stated timeline and target. If the PFL books her against Bishop for the flyweight title in early 2027, it sets up a rematch with real stakes on both sides, a title defense for Bishop and a first championship opportunity for Ditcheva.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dakota Ditcheva cleared to fight again?

Dakota Ditcheva says she has been cleared to resume striking in training after breaking both hands during her July win over Denise Kielholtz, and she is targeting a return in February or March of 2027.

Who holds the PFL women's flyweight title?

Jena Bishop holds the PFL women's flyweight title after beating Liz Carmouche by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the fight 48-47.

Has Dakota Ditcheva fought Jena Bishop before?

Yes, Dakota Ditcheva beat Jena Bishop in a 2024 tournament semifinal, and Ditcheva has said she wants to challenge Bishop for the flyweight title next.