Hardy Questions Ditcheva's Overwhelming Odds At PFL New York

Dan Hardy believes Dakota Ditcheva's overwhelming favorite status against Denise Kielholtz at PFL New York tonight undersells her opponent's chances.

Ditcheva enters as a massive betting favorite over Kielholtz, with most bookmakers giving the Dutch fighter minimal odds of pulling an upset. Hardy, speaking to MMA Junkie, pointed to Matt Serra's historic win over Georges St-Pierre as proof that lopsided odds mean little once the cage door closes. "First of all, it's an MMA fight," Hardy said. "I feel for Denise because she's been put in that situation by a lot of people."

Kielholtz's Clinch Game Could Test Ditcheva

The former UFC contender highlighted specific dangers Kielholtz poses at close range. "Denise, at close range, she's got excellent judo, inside and outside leaps, side control, scarf hold position, taking the back," Hardy told MMA Junkie. "She could be a real test for Dakota because she's very, very good in the clinch at close range." Hardy noted the size difference favors Ditcheva, but added that Kielholtz's grappling credentials make her dangerous in exchanges where the British fighter cannot use her reach.

Hardy also questioned whether Ditcheva's return from injury might alter her approach. "There's always that little bit of hesitation when you're coming back from an injury, like, 'How is this going to work out?'" he said. "Does it change Dakota's game in some ways? Does she want to kick more or clinch more? I'm excited to see what Dakota looks like."

The PFL New York card airs tonight with Ditcheva looking to extend her unbeaten run in the promotion.

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• BJPenn — Dan Hardy questions Dakota Ditcheva’s overwhelming odds as favorite at PFL New York