I didn't come here by chance.
With a perfect 13-0 record, including three straight knockouts to earn her way to the 2024 PFL Championships on Friday, the 25-year-old flyweight from England could be the next big thing, but that seems to be on some people's minds to bring palm tree. Although her rise to stardom was quick, Ditcheva knows she worked hard and won the battles to get here, even if some of her fellow athletes don't seem too happy for her.
“I think there’s definitely a little bit of jealousy and a little bit of frustration among some fighters,” Ditcheva told MMA Fighting. “I get it. Like you said, it's a business. We have to be able to sell these fights to get paid. If you want to get paid, do something. Make your fights exciting or take advantage of that social media and put in the effort. The people that were mad at these fighters, certain fighters that are making money, but if you look at the ones that are making money, it's the personalities in the sport. who do something different.
“I don’t know why anyone is frustrated just because of me. Because I’m just trying to get the most out of my years in this sport and I think that would be the smart decision.”
Perhaps one of the biggest setbacks for Ditcheva during the current PFL season has been the perception that she was being handed winnable fights that would allow her to advance to the finals under easier circumstances than some of her potential opponents.
The most notable complaint came when the playoffs began with a draw against Ditcheva in the semifinals instead of against a more experienced opponent like the UFC veteran or Bellator champion . Instead, Santos defeated Carmouche in a hard-fought decision, while Ditcheva defeated Bishop in the first round.
Of course, Ditcheva has no control over the opponents she faces, as that decision is up to the PFL, but even at the start of the playoffs, everything is determined by the regular season point total.
On Friday, Ditcheva might finally be able to silence at least some of her critics with the final against her and Santos coming up, but she knew there were no guarantees because that's how volatile a PFL season can be.
“You can't predict it and honestly I wouldn't say I was happy about it,” Ditcheva explained. “I expected everything. You don't know. Jena [Bishop]she lost and still finished in the top four. You don't know what will happen, so you have to be prepared for anything.
“It really annoyed me to compete against Jena because Taila and Liz competed together, but that's just how the tournament goes. It's not in anyone's hands. It worked out well because I think this is probably one of the best fights that could have happened in the final.”
Ditcheva also believes that breaking the language barrier with US audiences makes a big difference when it comes to connecting with fans.
“I’m really lucky that I speak English,” Ditcheva said. “In this industry you have to know English, and if you don't, you're left a little behind. Nobody wants to read subtitles. That's another matter. I hate to say this because I feel like I'm a bit spoiled because I speak English and that's an advantage for me, but that's just how business works.
“This is not something I chose. It's just the way things work. It gets to me when people complain about it and I just keep doing what I can.”
As much attention as Ditcheva receives – both positive and negative – she firmly believes that if she doesn't win her fights, none of it really matters.
She knows there's no popularity or star power if she loses, and so far in her career, Ditcheva has been nearly untouchable.
“It wouldn't bother anyone if I couldn't fight, right?” said Ditcheva. “That always has to come first. Despite the cameras and the attention I get, I still understand that I have to fully concentrate on the fights because that comes first.”
When it comes to the Santos fight, Ditcheva is preparing for the worst but once again expects the best from herself even as she moves up in competition.
Ditcheva promises to always be ready to go to war, but so far all of her opponents have been completely outgunned. She can't predict whether Santos will be tougher or not, but she's prepared for every possible scenario to win the PFL title and the $1 million prize that comes with it.
“She’s a very good fighter,” Ditcheva said of Santos. “I respect her a lot. She was a fighter that I saw in the UFC. I know how tough she is. I know she is a dangerous person. I always thought their striking was great there. I know who I'm dealing with, but at the same time I don't feel like I'm not showing anything that she showed. I feel like it's going to be a very good fight and I'm definitely looking forward to it.
“I know what I'm capable of. Definitely [it could be another finish] And I will do that if the opportunity arises at this time. I will make sure I achieve the goal 100 percent. I'm ready for a five-round fight. That’s what I train for every time, but I’m not the type of fighter that goes in there and settles for a five-round fight.”
