An unusual idea in MMA
Former fighter and analyst Din Thomas has suggested a bold move. He wants the UFC to trade Magomed Ankalaev for PFL star Dakota Ditcheva.
Trades between MMA organizations almost never happen. In fact, it has only occurred once. In October 2018, the UFC sent Demetrious Johnson to ONE Championship. In return, Ben Askren joined the UFC.
Thomas now believes it is time for another deal. He proposes sending the reigning light heavyweight champion to PFL. In exchange, Dakota Ditcheva should join the UFC.
Din Thomas explains his view
“MMA is driven by stars,” Thomas said in February on The Casuals MMA podcast. “The UFC has a star problem. PFL has Dakota Ditcheva, and she’s a star. She belongs in the UFC. Trade her for Ankalaev. The UFC doesn’t need him.”
Thomas made these remarks before Ankalaev dethroned Alex Pereira to win the light heavyweight title. Even that victory failed to spark real excitement in the division.
Dakota Ditcheva rises fast
Meanwhile, Ditcheva keeps making headlines. Yet she faces limited competition under the PFL banner. She dominated Taila Santos in 2024 to win the flyweight tournament. Santos once pushed Valentina Shevchenko to the limit.
Ditcheva then claimed another clear victory. She defeated Sumiko Inaba in Cape Town during PFL’s first event in South Africa.
Her record now stands at 15-0 with an 80 percent finish rate. The numbers show she is ready for elite competition. But PFL cannot offer enough worthy opponents.
Ankalaev prepares for title defense
Magomed Ankalaev will defend his belt on October 4 at UFC 320 in Las Vegas. He faces Alex Pereira again.
Ankalaev defeated Pereira at UFC 313. The Brazilian delivered an unusually lackluster performance and lost decisively.
For the rematch, bookmakers favor Ankalaev at two-to-one to keep his title.
