TLDR
- Undefeated PFL flyweight champion Dakota Ditcheva (15-0) will fight Denise Kielholtz on February 7, 2026 in Dubai
- Kielholtz returns after nearly three years away from competition, last fighting in November 2023
- Ditcheva hasn’t competed since July when she broke her hand defeating Sumiko Inaba by decision
- The bout will be on the same card as lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov defending his title against Alfie Davis
- Ditcheva recently re-signed with PFL, ending speculation about a potential UFC move
PFL flyweight champion Dakota Ditcheva will return to action against former Bellator title challenger Denise Kielholtz at PFL Dubai on February 7, 2026. The Professional Fighters League announced the matchup on Monday.
Ditcheva holds a perfect 15-0 record and has become one of the promotion’s biggest stars. The 27-year-old hasn’t fought since July when she defeated Sumiko Inaba by decision at PFL Africa.
That fight ended Ditcheva’s nine-fight finishing streak. She broke her hand during the bout, which caused concern about a lengthy layoff.
Ditcheva broke down in tears after the fight when her stoppage streak ended. The injury forced her to take several months away from competition.
Before the Inaba fight, Ditcheva finished Taila Santos, Jena Bishop, and Chelsea Hackett during the 2024 PFL World Tournament. She won the PFL Europe tournament before repeating that success in the PFL regular season.
Her opponent Kielholtz returns after nearly three years away from competition. The 36-year-old Dutch fighter last competed in November 2023 when she defeated Inaba by decision.
Kielholtz has won her last two fights. She defeated Paula Cristina before beating Inaba to end a three-fight losing streak.
Kielholtz Brings Title Experience
Kielholtz challenged for the Bellator women’s flyweight title in July 2021. She lost to champion Juliana Velasquez by split decision in that fight.
The veteran also captured the Bellator flyweight kickboxing title during her career. She defended that belt before focusing back on MMA competition.
Kielholtz holds an 8-5 record overall. She brings striking experience to the matchup against Ditcheva, who is known for her devastating finishing power.
The fight will take place at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. It will be positioned as the third fight from the top of the card.
PFL Dubai Card Takes Shape
The main event features PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov defending his title against Alfie Davis. Nurmagomedov defeated Paul Hughes in a rematch earlier in 2025.
Davis has won three consecutive fights heading into the title challenge. The welterweight division will also crown its first PFL champion on the card.
Ramazan Kuramagomedov faces Shamil Musaev in the co-main event. Kuramagomedov brings a 13-0 record while Musaev is 20-0-1.
Ditcheva addressed speculation about her future in July when she confirmed a new deal with PFL. She said the promotion will be her MMA home for the next few years.
UFC analyst Din Thomas had suggested a potential trade involving Magomed Ankalaev. Ditcheva shut down the trade talk by announcing her re-signing with PFL.
