BREAKING: PFL star Dakota Ditcheva is set to return to the octagon, facing Denise Kielholtz on February 7, 2026, in Dubai. The Professional Fighters League (PFL) confirmed this matchup today, marking Ditcheva’s highly anticipated comeback after a year of limited appearances.
This fight is part of the PFL: Road to Dubai event, which is the promotion’s first event of the 2026 calendar. The card is headlined by a lightweight title bout between Usman Nurmagomedov and Alfie Davis, promising an exciting night for MMA fans.
Ditcheva, who boasts an impressive record of 15-0, has been sidelined since July 2025 due to a broken hand sustained during her decision victory over Sumiko Inaba. That fight marked a significant milestone for Ditcheva, as it was the first time she had to go the distance in her career. Following that bout, she signed a new multi-fight contract with the PFL, aiming to reclaim her dominance in the flyweight division.
Kielholtz, with a record of 8-5, is a seasoned combatant, transitioning from a successful professional kickboxing career to MMA. She previously challenged for the Bellator title in 2021 but fell short in a split decision against Julianna Velasquez. This matchup presents a crucial opportunity for both fighters to solidify their positions in the competitive flyweight landscape.
The urgency surrounding Ditcheva’s return and the stakes for Kielholtz make this fight not only pivotal for their careers but also a must-watch event for fans. As the date approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating how this clash will unfold in Dubai.
Stay tuned for more updates as we follow the latest developments leading up to this thrilling encounter.
