Dakota Ditcheva outclassed Denise Kielholtz as the Briton marked her return from injury with a comfortable win by unanimous decision at PFL New York.

Ditcheva, who had not fought since breaking her left hand just over a year ago, extended the unbeaten start to her career to 16 fights.

The win for Ditcheva, who triumphed in the PFL flyweight tournament in 2024, was a timely reminder to fans of why she is one of Britain’s most talented and exciting fighters.

Although Ditcheva could not add to her 12 career knockouts – nine of which have come in the first round – she outstruck Dutch fighter Kielholtz 102-64.

Ditcheva’s win cements her status as one of the biggest stars in the PFL just days after the organisation’s merge with Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), while MVP co-founder Jake Paul was cage-side to watch the fights at the UBS Arena.

Ditcheva, 28, has had a frustrating year after her return was delayed in February when she suffered an injury to her opposite hand.

But she displayed her trademark confidence during her walkout as she sported a relaxed smile, before quickly finding her groove after the opening bell.

Using her superior height to her advantage, Ditcheva kept the 37-year-old Kielholtz at bay for the majority of the contest with a number of rangy kicks.

Ditcheva did some of her best work with her jab, while a number of knees and kicks to the body hurt Kielholtz at the start of the second round.

Kielholtz, who had won her past three fights before this bout, landed when she got in range but her punches often lacked the power of her British opponent.

Ditcheva’s striking is widely regarded as her most dangerous asset, but she also showcased her grappling with six successful takedowns, leaving little doubt as to who had won.

The Briton did not give a post-fight interview but said pre-fight she is “enjoying her career” in the PFL, and “doesn’t know” if she’ll ever fight in the UFC.

Ditcheva also hinted at a future boxing bout, with MVP’s merge with the PFL opening the door to potential opportunities.

MVP has invested heavily in women’s boxing over the past five years and boasts an impressive stable of world champions, including Britons Caroline Dubois and Chantelle Cameron.

In the main event, Russia’s Usman Nurmagomedov knocked out America’s Archie Colgan in the first round to retain his PFL lightweight title.

Nurmagomedov, 28, rocked Colgan with a high kick, before finishing the contest with an uppercut to keep his undefeated record intact.

The victory was the 22nd of Nurmagomedov’s career as he made the second defence of his PFL belt.

Nurmagomedov’s win marked his sixth world title defence in total after the Bellator title was rebranded by the PFL in 2025.

Following victory, Nurmagomedov paid tribute to training partner and UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev.

“This is from sparring with UFC legend and champion Islam Makhachev, that’s how you can improve,” said Nurmagomedov.

“Only one guy in the world pushes harder than me – Makhachev. That’s why I follow him.”