PFL MMA

Dakota Ditcheva was not happy that her PFL New York victory wasn't a crowd pleaser.

Ditcheva stepped inside the SmartCage to take on Denise Kielholtz this past Friday. “Dangerous†was a massive betting favorite going into the bout, and while she did pick up the unanimous decision win, her performance didn't exactly match the line. Kielholtz made things a bit tougher for Ditcheva than expected, which led to some moments where the action wasn't satisfying enough for those in attendance at the UBS Arena.

Home of Fight live streamed the PFL New York post-fight media conference, and Ditcheva admitted that she didn't like the crowd boos because she prides herself on being a fun fighter (via MMAFighting).

“It bothered me,†Ditcheva said. “Only because I'm passionate about the work I do, and I wanted a stoppage myself. But at the same time, words from my brother and my coach will be, always, ‘We don't care about what anybody else thinks.' It's me in there fighting. I'm the one that's in there to only kind of think about the boos for one second and get knocked out.

“So for me, it's like, I don't want them to boo, because I want to be exciting and entertaining for you guys, but at the same time, I'm in there fighting. I'm not in there, like, performing a dance. So, I have to do what's right for me to get the win and come out on top, and that's what I did today.â€

Regardless of how the fans felt, Ditcheva now improves her unblemished pro MMA record to 16-0. This is her second straight decision win after going on a nine-fight streak of finishes. Ditcheva's last finishing win was back in Nov. 2024 when she scored a second-round TKO victory over Taila Santos.

What do you make of Dakota Ditcheva's performance at PFL New York? Did she simply have more struggles than expected against an experienced opponent, or is she not as good as advertised? Share your take in the comments below.

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM

Zuffa LLC

Israel Adesanya believes Navajo Stirling is due for a significant boost in the rankings.

Stirling was featured on the UFC Belgrade card this past Saturday. He was matched up against his most notable opponent to date. Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jan Blachowicz, who holds a win over Adesanya, was standing across from Stirling on fight night. While Blachowicz was hoping to end his winless drought, Stirling had other ideas. The rising New Zealand star delivered a first-round TKO finish to improve his unbeaten record to 11-0.

With the impressive victory, Adesanya reacted on his YouTube channel by calling for Stirling to be placed in the top five rankings at 205 pounds (h/t MMAJunkie).

“He just got back from Japan last fight, takes this fight on short notice against a former champion, and smokes the dude – absolutely smokes him,†Adesanya said. “I'm still in awe. I'm still in awe. Just the whole thing, the walkout, when he steps into the octagon, he just looked so relaxed. There was a sequence in there where he just looked relaxed. He wasn't panicking, even when he got popped with that jab and his nose started bleeding. He stayed composed. You're watching it, and I know the guy, I'm just like, ‘He's relaxed. He's chill.' He fought so recently. Another day in the office. Another good day in the office for Navajo Stirling. No one has ever done that before to Jan until today. Top five. Put my man in the top five. Hurry up. And $100 Gs.â€

Stirling's first three fights under the UFC banner were unanimous decision wins, while his last three outings have resulted in TKO victories. Some believe Stirling continues to get better every time he steps inside the Octagon, and he might be the spark the light heavyweight division needs. Whether or not he can live up to the hype as the competition gets tougher will be a story to watch in the coming months and years.

Is Navajo Stirling ready for top five competition? What do you think his ceiling is at 205 pounds? Chime in with your opinion below.

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM

Zuffa LLC

Uros Medic wants to dance with a former UFC welterweight titleholder following a quick win at home.

Medic went one-on-one with Daniel Rodriguez in the UFC Belgrade main event this past Saturday. It only took Medic 30 seconds to put a halt to “D-Rod's†three-fight winning streak via TKO. It was Rodriguez's first fight since being released from prison back in April.

Speaking to media members during the UFC Belgrade post-fight press conference, Medic said he is now targeting Edwards for a showdown inside the Octagon. If Medic can't get the fight, it won't take him long to turn his focus elsewhere (via MMAJunkie).

“Leon Edwards next, probably,†Medic said. “Leon Edwards if he makes himself available. I'm not going to bully him anymore. If he doesn't want to fight, we fight someone else. It's not a big deal.â€

Edwards has been on a slide as of late, losing three fights in a row. His most recent loss was a brutal knockout at the hands of Carlos Prates back in Nov. 2025. Edwards hasn't emerged victorious since late 2023.

If “Rocky†isn't available for Medic anytime soon, then the surging Serbian would like to clash with a prominent name in the 170-pound rankings.

“He is ranked where I want to be ranked, so that puts me closer to where I want to be, and that's with the belt around my waist,†Medic said.

Medic will receive a boost when the Meta UFC rankings panel is updated. He held the No. 14 spot prior to UFC Belgrade, while Rodriguez was one position ahead of him. As far as the media panel rankings are concerned, Medic was actually ahead of “D-Rod.â€

Who would you match Uros Medic up against next? Do you give him a top 10 opponent, or would you go even higher up the welterweight ladder? Show off your matchmaking skills in the comments below.

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM