Dakota Ditcheva slams Ronda Rousey over Khamzat Chimaev cleft palate comment

Dakota Ditcheva has called out Ronda Rousey for mocking Khamzat Chimaev's cleft palate.

The PFL flyweight champion took to social media after Rousey posted a comment about Chimaev's medical condition, saying she has lost respect for the former UFC bantamweight champion. Ditcheva, per a post reported by Sherdog, wrote that the remark was "absolutely disgraceful" and pointed out that Rousey, as a mother and global figure, should understand the impact of ridiculing children who face similar challenges. "I am no longer a fan," Ditcheva added. "As a mother, you should know better. The amount of young children navigating difficulties like that while you sit on a worldwide stage mocking it. Do better."

Why Ditcheva says Rousey was a role model

Ditcheva followed up by clarifying her criticism in a separate post, distinguishing between athletes she admires for their skills and those she considers role models. She said fighters like Chimaev, Sean Strickland, and Jon Jones were never figures she looked up to personally, but she respects their cage work. Rousey, however, fell into a different category. "As a young woman & fighter, I have always looked up to Ronda & been inspired by her," Ditcheva wrote, explaining why the comment hit differently.

Ditcheva captured the PFL flyweight title last November with a first-round knockout of Taila Santos in Saudi Arabia. She remains unbeaten at 14-0 and is set to defend her belt later this year.

Source: sherdog.com