MMA
Dakota Ditcheva admits she was 'bothered' by crowd boos during PFL New York win: "I want to be exciting and entertaining"
PFL MMADakota 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 LLCMMA analyst Din Thomas has some thoughts on Brandon Moreno's future ahead of his fight against Joseph Morales.
At Noche UFC, Brandon Moreno will try and prove that he still has what it takes to mix it up with the elite at 125 pounds. This is a rapidly evolving division, and there are new and exciting prospects coming up through the ranks every single month.
RELATED: Brandon Moreno is feeling motivated heading into Noche UFC clash
That includes Joseph Morales, who will attempt to use Brandon Moreno as a way to really make a name for himself and prove that he could be a potential title contender at some point in the future.
In a recent video, Din Thomas explained why Noche UFC is such a crossroads moment in the career of Brandon Moreno.
Thomas on Brandon Moreno's situation
“Joseph Morales has been looking good. Obviously, he was on ‘TUF' and just been looking good,†Thomas said on Deep Waters. “But to me, this is a do-or-die type of fight for a guy like Brandon Moreno, who's held the belt, who's had his ups and downs.â€
“Love watching him fight but this is definitely like you said, almost like gatekeeper territory,†Weidman said of Moreno. “They're trying to see if he's the guy that if you beat, you're up there in the top five, top 10 immediately afterwards. I'm guessing the UFC sees something special in Joseph Morales. They're giving him an opportunity to fight Brandon Moreno.â€
Quotes via MMA Junkie
Whatever happens, there's no denying that Moreno has played an integral role in rejuvenating the flyweight division. With that being said, you can tell he's hungry for more, and he has a real opportunity in front of him tonight.
Do you agree with Din Thomas? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
iliatopuria on InstagramFormer UFC champion Belal Muhammad believes Ilia Topuria should face Paddy Pimblett when he returns to the cage.
After losing the UFC lightweight championship, Ilia Topuria is in a difficult position. While it seems like he is set for an immediate rematch against Justin Gaethje (if reports are to be believed), a lot of people feel like that isn't the best move for him so soon after dropping the belt.
RELATED: Dana White claims Ilia Topuria is ‘ready' to fight after UFC Freedom 250 defeat
Another option, of course, is Ilia Topuria vs Paddy Pimblett. There's been bad blood between these two rivals for a long time now, and it makes sense that we finally get to see them blow off their feud in the Octagon.
In a recent video, Belal Muhammad weighed in on the Ilia Topuria situation.
Muhammad on Ilia Topuria's next fight
“What do I think about it? I don't think Topuria deserves it,†Muhammad said on his YouTube channel. “It was a great fight, but he made you quit. He broke him and it was a clear decision. It wasn't like a split decision, came down to the wire. He got him, he won, he finished him. For Topuria, he's coming back, he's already talking and saying that this is going to make him better, this is going to change him. So let's get you another fight.â€
“Paddy Pimblett's right there. I think the Paddy Pimblett fight makes the most sense, but I'm sure he's still recovering himself,†Muhammad said. “Two broken orbitals, I don't know what else he had. I know he's a big name, but for Justin, I don't see Justin taking that rematch. He already said he's not taking that rematch. If I'm Justin, maybe I try to get the Max Holloway fight again.â€
Quotes via MMA Junkie
Do you agree? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
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