Dakota Ditcheva responds to Liz Carmouche, complaints about her being the ‘diva of the division’ in PFL

Dakota Ditcheva has become one of the PFL's most prominent figures, but her rising profile has invited criticism that she receives preferential matchmaking. The flyweight contender addressed those complaints head-on, particularly regarding comments from top-ranked rival Liz Carmouche suggesting she's avoiding elite competition.

Ditcheva was originally scheduled to face Bellator veteran Denise Kielholtz in February before an injury forced a postponement. She returns to action Friday at a PFL event in New York against the same opponent, rather than Carmouche—the more marquee matchup many fans would prefer to see. In an interview with MMA Fighting, Ditcheva pushed back against the narrative that she has veto power over opponents or that the promotion is shielding her from dangerous challengers.

"I didn't choose this," Ditcheva said. "PFL came to me and said 'do you want to fight Denise?' I don't ever pick my opponents. I let PFL come to me with whoever they want to put me against." She explained that Kielholtz earned the rematch after winning her fight in Dubai and that the division has evolved during her time away. Ditcheva emphasized she would accept any opponent the promotion offers without complaint.

When asked about a potential clash with Carmouche, Ditcheva acknowledged it as the ideal matchup for the division, particularly if a title is on the line. However, she dismissed suggestions that she fears the fight or that the PFL is protecting her. "If that's the fight that's made next, that's the fight you will see," she said. She added that she'd fight Carmouche without a belt in pursuit of the top contender spot, which she values more than championship gold.

Ditcheva also distanced herself from trash talk, saying Carmouche's comments had barely registered. Previous opponents have attempted to get under her skin without success, and she expects the same from the top-ranked contender. "I'm sure Liz is a really nice lady," Ditcheva said. "If we end up fighting, we end up fighting but until then you're not getting any air time out of me."