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PFL Finals: Dakota Ditcheva vs. Taila Santos early preview and prediction

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PFL Finals: Dakota Ditcheva vs. Taila Santos early preview and prediction

As a long-time MMA enthusiast who’s seen more fights than I can count, I must say that the upcoming PFL Finals matchup between Dakota Ditcheva and Taila Santos promises to be a thrilling spectacle.

As a longtime fan of mixed martial arts (MMA), I must say that the conclusion of the PFL’s semifinal cards has left me thoroughly excited for what is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing finals matchups of the 2024 season. Having followed the progression of Dakota Ditcheva and Taila Santos throughout their respective careers, I can confidently say that their paths towards securing a spot in the PFL Finals have been nothing short of impressive.

In their recent match, one competitor swiftly secured victory in just 3 minutes and 54 seconds, defeating jiu-jitsu expert Jena Bishop using a clinch knee, body kick, and right cross. This triumph came despite an early takedown. On the other hand, the second contestant fought through all five rounds, ultimately edging out an overweight Liz Carmouche by 29-28 on all judges’ scorecards. She had almost secured a rear-naked choke in the first round but was unable to finish it off. So, who are these two talented athletes at the peak of their powers? And which one takes home a million dollars as the winner? This is an intriguing question!

Dakota Ditcheva vs. Taila Santos preview

Without further ado, let’s dive into the topic of Ditcheva. Since her MMA debut, she has been more than just an ordinary spectacle, often leaving audiences in awe. Her exceptional Muay Thai skills are truly remarkable and must be experienced to be fully appreciated. She is known for her impressive finishing record, with only one bout ending in a draw and eleven of those victories coming via knockout.

If someone doubts her ground skills, she still has the option of finding a submission. This was proven by Malin Hermansson in 2023 when she was submitted via a rear-naked choke. While Ditcheva may not need to show off her grappling abilities, it’s clear that she has a fierce instinct for fighting, a trait not common among many female fighters.

In 2024, she became an unmissable figure on MMA TV. Each of her regular-season matches concluded swiftly with Lisa Mauldin and Chelsea Hackett appearing defeated well before the final bell, suffering losses within the first round.

Across from Santos is where you’ll find her. When she made her UFC debut through Dana White’s Contenders Series in the last ten years, Santos was known as a frequent finisher, much like Ditcheva, who had a knack for knockouts. Yet, she didn’t shy away from submissions either.

Her initial Octagon appearance in 2019 presented an extremely captivating opportunity. In that inaugural fight, she faced Mara Romero Borella and surprisingly suffered a split decision defeat. However, this setback didn’t deter her, as she went on to win her next four bouts, with the most recent being a rear-naked choke submission of Joanne Wood. This impressive streak earned her a title shot against Valentina Shevchenko, who was then reigning dominantly in the division.

As a gamer, I’ve just witnessed a nail-biting fight where Santos kept on battling, even though her eye was pouring blood and she could barely make out what was happening after an unexpected head clash. In fact, Shevchenko dropped a scorecard for the first time in her flyweight career. However, it didn’t change much as the next two went in Santos’ favor.

Following approximately a year of recovery and reorganization, Santos faced Erin Blanchfield, who was rapidly gaining popularity, in Singapore. At this point, Shevchenko was no longer the titleholder, having been unexpectedly ousted by Alexa Grasso at UFC 285. This sudden change presented an opportunity for Santos to potentially grasp that long-sought championship.

As a gamer, I’ve been in situations where a crucial decision doesn’t go my way. I could feel another chance coming up, just around the corner… but then, poof! It was gone. In November 2023, Santos parted ways with the UFC when her contract expired. The question everyone’s asking is: What happened? Well, she had her heart set on a rematch with Shevchenko, and it stung when that didn’t materialize – not her only issue, mind you, but definitely the most significant one.

Four months ago, I joined the PFL, and it seems my decision is about to bear fruit. As we approach the finals, I carry a significant burden of proving Dana White wrong for letting me go. Interestingly enough, they’ve paired me against none other than Ditcheva, the promotion’s shining star – quite the high-profile opponent!

It’s common knowledge that the PFL aims to establish Ditcheva as the symbol of their team, and critics argue that she was provided with cans not only to boost her win-loss record but also her public persona. This upcoming bout against Santos will be her first encounter with a seasoned opponent. So, what can we expect from this fight?

Dakota Ditcheva vs. Taila Santos prediction

In this matchup, each contestant offers distinct advantages: Ditcheva with her formidable Muay Thai skills, and Santos boasting a versatile game. As previously mentioned, they’re both at their career peaks, promising a fierce five-round battle. A draw is plausible in this title fight – an unprecedented outcome – but Santos has the edge due to her extensive toolkit, battle-tested experience, and unquenchable drive. She’ll slow down Ditcheva’s momentum and secure a highly contested decision.

Official prediction: Santos via decision.

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2024-08-04 19:13

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