Taila Santos feels Dakota Ditcheva was given a better path to the PFL playoffs.
Santos, a one-time UFC title contender, and Ditcheva are each one win away from the 2024 PFL flyweight ultimate. Santos, who has gone 2-0 since becoming a member of PFL this yr, instructed MMA Combating “it’s fairly clear” that Ditcheva was given favorable matchups through the common season.
Ditcheva reached the playoffs by beating Lisa Mauldin and Chelsea Hackett, who have been 6-3 and 4-2-1 on the time of their fights. The undefeated flyweight entered the season after profitable 2023’s PFL Europe match, however the mixed report of her three opponents in that bracket was 13-10.
“The fights they have been giving her to start with, it’s fairly clear they have been giving her a simple run so she may make it to the finals,” Santos mentioned. “That’s why I mentioned I wish to present her what an actual struggle is all about, a troublesome struggle. I fought powerful fights for the reason that starting and I don’t care. That’s precisely what I would like. I wish to powerful fights to indicate I’m the very best.”
Santos choked out Ilara Joanne in her PFL debut after which gained a break up determination over Jena Bishop, who faces Ditcheva in her semifinal match Aug. 2 at PFL 7. Santos, who gave Valentina Shevchenko a troublesome five-round battle within the UFC, and has overwhelmed the likes of Joanne Wooden, Roxanne Modafferi, and Molly McCann within the octagon, faces Bellator flyweight champion Liz Carmouche for the opposite spot within the $1 million PFL ultimate.
“It’s going to be actually to have each of us attending to this ultimate and combating one another,” Santos mentioned. “I simply wish to be within the ultimate and face whoever, however it might be fairly fascinating to struggle her. I would like to struggle Dakota as a result of followers would love this one. Individuals are speaking about this struggle, and I wish to present her what an actual struggle is like. It could be thrilling. I’m very excited to face her, actually.”
Santos has to get previous Carmouche first, and he or she’s assured she’ll get the job performed.
“It’s an unbelievable struggle. All respect to her, an unbelievable athlete as effectively, a veteran, and it’s an honor for me to struggle her,” Santos mentioned. “I’m very versatile as a fighter, though I grew up coaching Muay Thai earlier than coaching jiu-jitsu and wrestling and every little thing else. I really feel tremendous comfy in all areas right now. I prefer it lots, and I do know she tries to grapple extra, to again her opponents towards the cage and impose her sport. It’s going to be a really fascinating sport.”
As for the opposite semifinal, Santos isn’t assured in choosing Ditcheva to beat Bishop.
“I believe it’s going to be shut,” Santos mentioned. “It gained’t be a simple struggle for both of them. If Jena can shut the gap and take her down rapidly and never give Dakota house on the ft — Dakota is aware of her to make use of her attain and he or she’s highly effective. Jena shocked me, she’s actually sturdy and I wasn’t anticipating that. She’s very skilled, so she will be able to win this if she will be able to shut the gap.”
“I got here right here to win this belt,” Santos added. “I’m able to go to the ultimate and win, irrespective of who I’m combating there. I’m right here to struggle the very best.”
