Taila Santos, PFL Nashville weigh-in Credit score: Matt Davies
The PFL has introduced its 2025 World Match ladies’s flyweight roster, with a variety of returning names.
The flyweight division took heart stage within the PFL for the primary time final 12 months, with Dakota Ditcheva, a PFL Europe champ, working the gauntlet and blossoming as the brand new face of the promotion. Ditcheva is not going to be again within the match this 12 months, saved for larger playing cards alongside the likes of Francis Ngannou and Cris Cyborg. Returning, nonetheless, are the likes of Liz Carmouche, Kana Watanabe, Juliana Velasquez, Jena Bishop, Ilara Joanne and Taila Santos.
Becoming a member of the match for 2025 are Bellator vet Diana Avsaragova and Elora Dana. The undefeated Dana (7-0) could be little identified to western combat followers, however gained the Jungle Battle flyweight title in her native Brazil. As for Avsaragova (6-1), one thing of an “It” woman for Bellator, she sat out all of 2024 after struggling her first defeat as knowledgeable a 12 months earlier.
The involvement of Carmouche (22-8), Velasquez (13-3), and Watanabe (13-3-1) units up some fascinating rematches. All three are former Bellator stars, with Carmouche and Velasquez holding gold there. Carmouche has defeated Velasquez thrice, and Watanabe twice. As for Taila Santos, she was runner-up in 2024.
Gone from the roster are Shanna Younger (lately seen competing for Invicta FC), Chelsea Hackett, and Lisa Mauldin (although it’s value noting that alternates haven’t been introduced for the load class).
As for ladies’s flyweight champ Dakota Ditcheva, she assured followers she wasn’t going wherever on Tuesday, writing “I’m still here guys, dw [don’t worry]” in response to the announcement. PFL officers have additionally confirmed to Cageside Press that Ditcheva stays with the group, and can compete outdoors the season.
