Dakota Ditcheva or Kayla Harrison? Kayla Harrison has been named ESPN’s Feminine Fighter of the 12 months for 2024. Whereas Harrison’s accomplishments are spectacular, the choice has sparked a debate amongst followers, with many arguing that Dakota Ditcheva had a stronger case for the award.
Kayla Harrison Or Dakota Ditcheva
Kayla Harrison is a former Olympic judo gold medalist who had an unimaginable run within the PFL and later transitioned to the UFC. Her debut got here at UFC 300 in April, the place she submitted former bantamweight champion Holly Holm within the second spherical. This victory instantly positioned her among the many high contenders within the 135-pound division. Harrison solidified her place in October at UFC 307, defeating Ketlen Vieira by unanimous determination. The 2 wins improved her skilled file to 18-1.
Nevertheless, followers have pointed to Dakota Ditcheva’s good 12 months as a robust counterargument to Harrison’s choice. Competing within the PFL, Ditcheva delivered 4 dominant performances, along with her changing into the youngest champion in PFL historical past.
She kicked off the 12 months with back-to-back TKO victories over Lisa Mauldin and Chelsea Hackett, then secured a semifinal win in opposition to Jena Bishop in August additionally by way of knockout.
In November, Ditcheva claimed the PFL Ladies’s Flyweight Match title and a $1 million prize by defeating former UFC title challenger Taila Santos by way of TKO. The 25-year-old British fighter ended 2024 with a flawless 14-0 file, incomes her recognition as the primary British feminine MMA world champion. Moreover, she was the primary fighter ever to cease Santos.
Critics of ESPN’s determination argue that Ditcheva’s historic achievements and unbeaten file ought to have tipped the scales in her favor. Whereas Harrison’s UFC debut and victories had been vital, some followers imagine they fell wanting Ditcheva’s exceptional run by the PFL match. Harrison defeated an over-the-hill Holm and narrowly edged Viera whereas Ditcheva dominated the sphere and made historical past.
Followers Balk at Harrison over Ditcheva
Listed below are numerous feedback by followers:
“I like Kayla however Dakota Ditcheva want to have a phrase…”
“Dakota Ditcheva is 4-0 in 2024 beneath the PFL banner with 4 knockouts. She’s you’re actual 2024 WMMA Fighter of the 12 months winner.”
“Dakota Ditcheva ought to have received this. 4-0 over the 12 months, all KO wins with no woman making it out of the 2nd spherical.”
“Dakota ditcheva ought to’ve received she went 4-0 in 2024 all by tko”
