Former PFL flyweight champion Dakota Ditcheva is set to make her long-awaited return to competition when she faces Denise Kielholtz at PFL Long Island on July 31, 2026.
The bout was originally scheduled for February but was postponed after Ditcheva suffered another hand injury during her recovery process. The matchup has now been rescheduled and will take place at UBS Arena in Long Island, New York.
Who Is Dakota Ditcheva Fighting Next?
Dakota Ditcheva’s next opponent will be Dutch veteran Denise Kielholtz.
Kielholtz is a former kickboxing world champion who has built a successful mixed martial arts career, compiling a 9-5 professional record. The 37-year-old is known for her striking ability and brings extensive combat sports experience into the matchup.
Why Has Dakota Ditcheva Been Out Of Action?
Ditcheva has not competed since July 2025.
The Manchester native broke her hand during her victory over Sumiko Inaba and later suffered another hand injury that forced the postponement of her scheduled fight with Kielholtz.
The July 31 event will mark her first appearance in approximately one year.
What Is Dakota Ditcheva’s Record?
Ditcheva remains undefeated as a professional mixed martial artist with a record of 15-0.
Twelve of those victories have come by knockout, helping establish her reputation as one of the most dangerous finishers in women’s MMA.
She also became the first British woman to win a PFL world title after capturing the promotion’s 2024 flyweight championship.
Where Will the Dakota Ditcheva vs Denise Kielholtz Fight Happen?
The fight is scheduled for:
Event: PFL Long Island
Date: July 31, 2026
Venue: UBS Arena
Location: Long Island, New York, USA
The matchup is expected to take place on the card headlined by Usman Nurmagomedov’s lightweight title defense against undefeated challenger Archie Colgan.
Dakota Ditcheva vs Denise Kielholtz Fight Info
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Fight | Dakota Ditcheva vs Denise Kielholtz |
| Date | July 31, 2026 |
| Promotion | PFL |
| Venue | UBS Arena |
| Location | Long Island, New York |
| Dakota Ditcheva Record | 15-0 |
| Denise Kielholtz Record | 9-5 |
| Main Event | Usman Nurmagomedov vs Archie Colgan |
With both fighters expected to bring an aggressive striking style into the cage, Dakota Ditcheva’s return against Denise Kielholtz could become one of the most anticipated women’s MMA bouts on the PFL calendar this summer.
