Ditcheva On Why She Won't Fight Past 32

Dakota Ditcheva has set a loose retirement timeline even as she enters the prime of her career, telling reporters she wants to walk away from MMA before becoming a fighter who sticks around for the wrong reasons.

The PFL flyweight champion, who returns to action in New York City after more than a year away recovering from a hand injury, said in an interview with MMA Fighting that she plans to retire around 32 or 33 years old. The 27-year-old clarified that the target is not a hard deadline but rather a safeguard against overstaying her welcome in the sport.

Ditcheva's Plan To Avoid The Comeback Trap

"I think that is what I've seen my whole life is fighters say 'you know I'm just fighting basically for the money now' or 'I'm fighting just because I can't let go of it,'" Ditcheva explained. "I don't want to be in a position where I can't let go of fighting."

The PFL tournament winner said she wants to build a family and pursue opportunities in commentary, acting, or modeling after her fighting career ends. Her mother, a multi-time kickboxing champion, advised her to set up financial security and develop post-fight prospects now rather than waiting until it's too late.

Ditcheva admitted she already learned how fleeting satisfaction can be after winning the PFL world championship, saying the feeling lasted only two days before she started thinking about what comes next. She said she refuses to be the type of fighter who announces retirement only to return years later out of necessity.

Ditcheva faces her next opponent at PFL's New York City card in July, her first bout since the hand injury sidelined her for over a year.

Original reporting:

• mmafighting.com — Dakota Ditcheva clarifies retirement timeline: ‘I don’t want to be in a position where I can’t let go of fighting’ | MMA Fighting