PFL Unveils 2025 Flyweight Tournament Roster: Dakota Ditcheva Absent

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has revealed the lineup for its 2025 women’s flyweight tournament, which notably excludes last year’s champion, Dakota Ditcheva. The eight-fighter field includes several high-profile competitors, such as former Bellator champions Liz Carmouche and Juliana Velasquez, as well as experienced fighters Taila Santos and Kana Watanabe.

Ditcheva’s absence from the roster is not unexpected, as she recently expressed uncertainty about participating in another tournament run. The British fighter dominated the 2024 season, securing the championship and a $1 million prize with a second-round TKO victory over Santos in the final.

The tournament field comprises a mix of returning contenders and PFL newcomers. Santos, Carmouche, Watanabe, Velasquez, Bishop, and Joanne are all making their return to the competition. Meanwhile, Dana and Asvaragova will be making their PFL debuts.

This lineup sets the stage for potential rematches, as several fighters have previously faced each other. For instance, Santos defeated Carmouche in the 2024 semifinal, while Bishop lost to Ditcheva in the other semifinal match.

The tournament promises to be highly competitive, with Watanabe, Velasquez, and Joanne aiming to improve upon their performances from last year when they failed to reach the post-season. New additions Dana, an undefeated fighter from Brazil’s Jungle Fight promotion, and Diana Asvaragova, formerly of Bellator, bring fresh talent to the mix.

While the seeding for the tournament has yet to be announced, the first round of the 2025 PFL flyweight tournament is scheduled to begin on April 11. Fans can catch the action on ESPN2 and ESPN+.