Dakota Ditcheva Set for PFL Title Shot Against Legend

Major changes are on the horizon for the PFL. The organization is set to merge with Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions, with the two entities uniting in early 2027. This news, announced last week, created a distinct atmosphere around the organization, which hosted the PFL New York event on Long Island this past Friday.

Following the fight night, which saw Usman Nurmagomedov and Dakota Ditcheva secure significant victories, PFL CEO John Martin addressed the media. As expected, he fielded a wide range of questions concerning the merger and the future of the fighters.

Is a title fight next for Dakota Ditcheva? This was one of the first questions posed to Martin, and it appears that is indeed the plan. Her most likely opponent is Liz Carmouche, the 2025 PFL World Tournament winner and former Bellator Women's Flyweight Champion.

"Yes. We've spoken with her, I've spoken with her. She wants to stay active. She hadn't competed in a year, and I think in the first round tonight, she was feeling out Denise Kielholtz. Perhaps there was a slight lack of ring rust, but she overcame it very quickly," Martin noted. "So Dakota will be back very soon, and I think we'll set up that fight with Liz."

It seems a bidding war is brewing for the signature of PFL Lightweight Champion Usman Nurmagomedov. On Friday, he defeated Archie Colgan by first-round knockout in the main event of PFL New York.

"It looks like he started negotiating in the cage tonight," Martin quipped, referring to Nurmagomedov's post-fight interview. In it, the fighter noted that Jake Paul has often criticized fighter pay in the UFC. "We mutually agreed to postpone discussions about his future with us or elsewhere until after tonight's event. Now I'm looking forward to sitting down and understanding what he wants to do."

He boasts a record of 22 wins and no losses. He's an exceptional young fighter and isn't even 30 yet. I would very much like to keep him with us. "I genuinely believe he is the best fighter in the world at 155 pounds," Martin added. Justin Gaethje, the UFC Lightweight Champion, was cageside in Archie's corner. Justin is an outstanding fighter. If I had to bet on a potential fight between the two, I'd pick Usman. So we'll see."

Among other topics discussed with Martin were the potential creation of a flyweight division in MVP and whether joint bouts with organizations like RIZIN would continue. Muhammad Mokaev openly called for MVP to add a flyweight division, stating he would sign a long-term deal with the company if they did.

"I think that's something we'll look at very seriously. I was seriously considering it for PFL even before the merger. I saw Mokaev's call and I think we need to thoroughly explore that possibility," Martin responded. "The division has the potential to become an incredibly dynamic weight class."

Regarding fighter loans and co-promoted events, Martin remains "completely" open to continuing partnerships and fighter exchanges with organizations like RIZIN.

The future of PFL's regional leagues – PFL Africa and PFL MENA – is another, and seemingly much less clear, question.

"That's yet to be decided. We haven't discussed it yet," Martin admitted. "I have mixed feelings. I think in some ways, having a global brand and developing joint regional organizations carrying the same name has created some market confusion."

While congratulatory messages have already arrived from PFL investors, Martin clarified:

"This is an issue we will discuss with the other investors. These leagues actually have other external investors, and I am only a member of their governing boards. So the topic will be addressed at the board level."