Ditcheva got here into the bout as arguably the PFL’s greatest feminine star after a outstanding begin to her MMA profession.
Since becoming a member of the PFL in 2022, she has gained 9 fights all by stoppage, with seven of her wins coming within the first spherical.
Brazil’s Santos, 31, is a former UFC flyweight title challenger and was tipped to offer the hardest check of Ditcheva’s profession, however like many earlier opponents, the Briton made it look simple.
After profitable final 12 months’s PFL Europe flyweight title, Ditcheva has transitioned effortlessly to the worldwide stage, securing three first-round knockouts to arrange the showpiece bout with Santos.
Ditcheva regarded relaxed throughout her walkout, regardless of the magnitude of the event, dancing her approach to the cage as a pocket of followers from the UK cheered the Manchester fighter.
Ditcheva opened the competition with a trio of leg kicks, setting the tone for a dominant efficiency by navigating the grappling exchanges nicely.
She outclassed Santos on the toes, attacking with an array of kicks, knees, elbows and punches, bringing “oohs” from the gang, because the Brazilian struggled to defend herself.
A thudding knee and flurry of physique photographs halfway by the second spherical signalled the tip because the referee stepped in, crowning Ditcheva Britain’s first feminine MMA world champion.
She celebrated by placing lipstick on within the centre of the octagon, earlier than embracing her workforce, together with her mom and former kickboxing world champion Lisa Howarth, and roaring with pleasure.
“They have been speaking, ‘she’s only a Barbie, she must be a mannequin’. Nicely a mannequin simply beat you in spherical two, so shut up,” stated Ditcheva
She then paid tribute to her household, including: “I truthfully couldn’t do that with out my workforce. I cried just about on daily basis this camp.”
“These guys have stored me caught collectively. My brother put his entire life on maintain for me. He isn’t even bought a girlfriend as a result of he is at all times with me. This belt is for him.”
