Rare talks about fighter trades
Analyst and former fighter Din Thomas has stirred debate with a surprising proposal. He wants the UFC to trade light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev for PFL star Dakota Ditcheva.
Trades between MMA promotions are almost unheard of. Only one such deal exists in history. In 2018, Demetrious Johnson left the UFC for ONE Championship. In return, the UFC gained Ben Askren.
Thomas now argues that the sport needs another move. He says the UFC should send Ankalaev to PFL and bring Ditcheva into its roster.
Din Thomas outlines the case
“MMA thrives on stars,” Thomas said in February on The Casuals MMA podcast. “The UFC lacks them. PFL has Dakota Ditcheva, and she’s a star. She belongs in the UFC. Trade her for Ankalaev. The UFC can do without him.”
These comments came before Ankalaev beat Alex Pereira for the UFC title. Yet even his championship win did not create strong excitement in the division.
Ditcheva shows unstoppable momentum
Dakota Ditcheva continues to shine under the PFL banner. Her opponents remain limited, but her performances keep building hype. She won the 2024 flyweight tournament after defeating Taila Santos, who once challenged Valentina Shevchenko.
Later, Ditcheva beat Sumiko Inaba in Cape Town at PFL’s first event in South Africa.
She holds a perfect 15-0 record and finishes 80 percent of her fights. Those numbers suggest she is already ready for the highest level. PFL cannot currently offer her that challenge.
Ankalaev set for crucial rematch
Magomed Ankalaev defends his title again on October 4 at UFC 320 in Las Vegas. His opponent will be Alex Pereira.
He already defeated Pereira at UFC 313. That night, the Brazilian failed to deliver his usual explosive style.
For the rematch, oddsmakers list Ankalaev as a two-to-one favorite to keep his crown.
