The Professional Fighters League (PFL) recently bolstered its roster, signing two former UFC fighters who will join the division prominently featuring Dakota Ditcheva.
In 2024, the PFL established a women`s 125-pound flyweight division. Its inaugural season featured prominent fighters like Ditcheva, Liz Carmouche, and Taila Santos.
Ditcheva decisively defeated Santos in the final, affirming the significant buzz surrounding her. The undefeated knockout artist has made a considerable impact in MMA. As her reputation expanded beyond the PFL tournament, speculation arose about her potentially joining the UFC to challenge Valentina Shevchenko.
However, these rumors were quelled last summer when Ditcheva, known as `Dangerous,` signed a new contract with the PFL. This decision surprised many, who highlighted a perceived scarcity of suitable opponents for the British fighter within the league.
The PFL seems to have addressed this concern by integrating two notable former UFC contenders into its flyweight roster.
Dakota Ditcheva`s Division Strengthened by New PFL Signings: Viviane Araujo and Ariane Lipski da Silva
This year, the PFL has streamlined its competition format, moving away from a complex previous system to a more conventional structure featuring divisional titles.
Having secured PFL Europe and PFL Global championships in the last two years, Ditcheva is a strong contender for the inaugural divisional belt. These two new additions to the organization could emerge as significant challengers.
Viviane Araujo and Ariane Lipski da Silva are the newest fighters to transition from the UFC to the PFL. Both Brazilian athletes departed the premier MMA promotion this year and have now joined the PFL`s SmartCage roster.
Araujo (13-7) was a consistent top-10 flyweight in the UFC for six years, securing victories over notable opponents such as Karine Silva, Jennifer Maia, and Roxanne Modafferi.
Da Silva (17-11), a former KSW champion, experienced a three-fight losing streak that hindered her progress in the UFC. Prior to this recent setback, `Queen of Violence` demonstrated her formidable skills by submitting Casey O`Neill with an armbar in late 2023.
The 31-year-old is also known for one of the most brutal submissions in UFC history, a devastating kneebar victory over Luana Carolina five years ago.
Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes 2 to Headline PFL`s Upcoming Major Event
The announcement of these new PFL signings comes shortly before the promotion`s next major event in Dubai.
Following their classic title bout last January, Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes are set for a rematch nine months later, competing for the PFL lightweight title.
This highly anticipated rematch will headline the PFL Champions Series 3 card at the Coca-Cola Arena on Friday, with other notable fighters like Corey Anderson, Sergio Pettis, and Caolan Loughran also featured on the event.
Neville Whittle