Ditcheva Announces Celebration Before PFL New York

Dakota Ditcheva has mapped out her post-fight celebration ahead of her return against Denise Kielholtz at PFL New York on Friday night.

The unbeaten flyweight told Ariel Helwani she will mimic WNBA guard Sophie Cunningham's signature prolonged finger point if she gets the finish at UBS Arena in Belmont Park. "I've got my celebration," Ditcheva said, per MMA Mania. "Sophie is great. I feel like she's doing really well. Her and Caitlin [Clark] get a lot of stick, and I feel like Sophie's funny because you see clips of her getting fouled all the time. Then, one day, she just switches, and she's giving it back now."

Topuria's Warning For Ditcheva's Pre-Planned Gesture

Ditcheva said she expects a knockout over the former Bellator Kickboxing champion and plans to point at the camera rather than her opponent out of respect for Kielholtz. The 28-year-old carries a 15-0 record into the SmartCage on Friday, but pre-fight celebrations carry recent baggage in combat sports.

Ilia Topuria held a victory party the day before his UFC White House main event in June, only to quit on his stool against Justin Gaethje after getting outclassed over four rounds. The former lightweight champion entered that bout undefeated as well.

Ditcheva faces Kielholtz on the PFL New York card streaming Friday night from Long Island.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — The next Ilia? Dakota Ditcheva announces Sophie Cunningham-inspired celebration for PFL New York