Ditcheva Reveals She Broke Hands During PFL New York Win

Dakota Ditcheva broke her hand during her decision win over Denise Kielholtz at PFL New York and will need surgery to repair the injury, she announced on YouTube this week.

The unbeaten flyweight prospect fought through the damage for two and a half rounds without telling her corner, MMA Mania reports. "I could feel it from the moment I started the second round," Ditcheva said in the video. "I didn't tell my corner. I didn't tell anybody. I didn't show it this time, and I didn't tell anybody until I got out of the cage."

Surgery Delayed After Prior Break

The 16-0 Ditcheva explained that the injury stemmed from a previous fracture she chose not to repair with surgery late last year. She was warned at the time that skipping the operation carried a risk of rebreaking the bone. One of the original breaks healed cleanly, but a smaller fracture in another finger gave way during the fight. "I'm paying the price for it now, and I will be out for a little bit," she said.

Ditcheva is waiting to hear from her surgeon on next steps. She acknowledged spending most of the past week in tears but insisted her career is not finished. The setback leaves PFL without one of its biggest drawing cards for several months at minimum, coming on the heels of lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov entering free agency.

Ditcheva had been absent for a year before the Kielholtz fight, which took place July 31 at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. She won all three rounds on the judges' scorecards but missed a finish for the first time in her career.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Dakota Ditcheva reveals she broke her hands (again) during PFL New York win