Ditcheva to make PFL return against Kielholtz in July

Ditcheva to make PFL return against Kielholtz in JulyImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ditcheva has 13 victories inside the distanceByBobbie JacksonBBC Sport journalistPublished10 minutes agoBritain's Dakota Ditcheva will return from a 12-month absence through injury to face Dutch flyweight Denise Kielholtz at PFL New York on 31 July.Ditcheva broke her hand during her win over Sumiko Inaba in July 2025 and was due to face Kielhotz in February but the bout was postponed when she picked up another hand injury.The PFL has rescheduled the fight on the undercard of Usman Nurmagomedov's lightweight title defence against Archie Colgan at UBS Arena in Long Island.Ditcheva is unbeaten in 15 fights as a professional, winning 12 by knockout, and has emerged as one of Britain's most exciting fighters.The 27-year-old won the PFL's 2024 flyweight tournament to become the first British woman to hold an MMA world title.Kielholtz, 37, is a former kickboxing world champion and has won nine of her 14 fights in MMA.Manchester's Ditcheva has won seven of her 10 fights under the PFL banner in the opening round.Russia's Nurmagomedov headlines the card as he puts his 22-fight undefeated record on the line.The 28-year-old made the first defence of his lightweight title against Britain's Alfie Davis February.American Colgan, 30, is also yet to lose in 13 fights and has six victories inside the distance.To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.This video can not be playedFigure caption, Watch Ditcheva stop Santos to win MMA world titleRelated topicsMixed Martial ArtsMMA schedule and results 2026Published17 MayWatch every Born to Brawl episodePublished28 April 2024More MMA from the BBCNotifications, social media and more with BBC SportPublished16 August 2025