Preview: PFL 2024 Season Championships

Women’s Flyweight Final

Dakota Ditcheva (13-0, 8-0 PFL) vs. Taila Santos (22-3, 3-0 PFL)

ODDS: Ditcheva (-355), Santos (+230)

This fight has all the makings to be an instant classic. Santos was one round away from being the Ultimate Fighting Championship flyweight champion and has pushed some of the best fighters in the world to their breaking point. She has heavy hands, solid grappling skills and is an all-round threat with no weaknesses in her game. When she announced she was leaving the UFC for the PFL in March, many fans were shocked but understood why such a talent would want to compete for a $1 million grand prize. She has clearly shown throughout the season that she is an elite talent, and it’s no surprise that she has made it to the final. Santos relies on heavy pressure, but she’s not reckless. She doesn’t load up on haymakers but wisely uses volume and level changes to keep her opponents guessing and bewildered. She’s not one to force the issue but will instead try to take what her opponent gives her. There’s nothing she does that’s eye-catching, but there’s no element in her game where fans have seen her outclassed. She can strike, wrestle and grapple with the best of them. Unfortunately, with her tendency to start fast, she can take her foot off the gas at the wrong times. That has bitten her late in close fights.

Santos may be a fast starter, but nobody comes out of the breaks faster than Ditcheva. The Manchester-born striker has blitzed nearly everyone she has faced with lightning-fast combinations and a killer-like mentality. It’s hard to break down what Ditcheva doesn’t do well, considering that she has never been tested. They call her “Dangerous” for a reason. When Ditcheva comes out, there is no feeling-out process. She makes the read and makes you pay. It’s as simple as that. While Ditcheva has the poise, power and personality to pull off this win and cement herself as one of the PFL brightest stars, Santos has the experience and well-rounded game to halt her momentum. If Santos can force Ditcheva into situations she has never been in, seeing the young phenom pushed could influence the judges. Santos needs to take the prospect deep and not play into Ditcheva’s game. This is the exact type of fight the young star needs at this point in her career, and while she certainly has the goods to win this fight, Santos’ durability and experience gives her the edge in a five-round clash. Santos by split decision is the pick.

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Khizriev vs. Loughnane
Ditcheva vs. Santos
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Musaev vs. Umalatov
Rabadanov vs. Primus
Goltsov vs. Popov
The Prelims