The British fighter, already plagued by a previous injury, sees her showdown with the champion postponed

Incredible but true: Dakota Ditcheva, one of the rising stars of European women’s MMA, sees her triumphant return to PFL New York in July 2025 overshadowed by a new hand injury. A fracture that could very well jeopardize her long-awaited clash with Liz Carmouche, the formidable American champion. After a year-long absence, the Brit had returned to winning ways by outpointing Denise Kielholtz. Yet, as early as the second round, the pain resurfaced, though she chose not to alert her team. An omission that could prove costly for her preparation.

This injury, unfortunately, comes as no surprise to those following her career. Indeed, Ditcheva had already suffered a similar fracture at the end of 2025, a time when she opted against surgery. “No new fracture, just a worsening of the old one,” she had attempted to reassure her supporters. Yet, the facts speak for themselves: her already fragile body could not withstand the strain. Upcoming medical consultations will be decisive in assessing the extent of the damage and the length of her recovery.

A Showdown with Liz Carmouche Hanging in the Balance

Ditcheva’s schedule is now hanging by a thread. Her bout against Liz Carmouche, set to cap off a 2025 year full of twists and turns, risks being postponed indefinitely. The American champion, undefeated for over two years, has not hidden her eagerness to lock horns with the Brit. But the PFL, ever pragmatic, will have to decide: athlete health comes first. A decision that could also reshuffle the deck in the league’s women’s rankings.

For Ditcheva, the stakes are twofold: proving she can return to the top level despite physical setbacks, and honoring her contract with the PFL. Additional pressure that compounds the challenge of managing a recurring injury. Fans, meanwhile, are hoping for a medical miracle… and a full recovery to witness this long-awaited showdown.