The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has significantly expanded its roster, adding two renowned UFC veterans to the division spearheaded by Dakota Ditcheva.
In 2024, the PFL introduced a women`s 125-pound weight class, with fighters such as Ditcheva, Liz Carmouche, and Taila Santos competing in the inaugural women`s flyweight season.
Ditcheva convincingly defeated Santos in the final, proving that the hype surrounding her was well-deserved. This undefeated knockout artist has made a significant impact in MMA, and as her stardom grew beyond PFL tournaments, rumors began to circulate about her potential move to the UFC to challenge Valentina Shevchenko.
However, these discussions ceased last summer when `Dangerous` Ditcheva signed a new contract with the PFL. Many reacted with surprise, highlighting an apparent shortage of potential opponents for the British fighter.
The PFL now appears to have addressed this issue by incorporating two notable former UFC contenders into its flyweight roster.
The Arrival of Viviane Araujo and Ariane Lipski da Silva Intensifies Competition for Dakota Ditcheva in PFL
This year, the PFL has streamlined its format, moving away from a previously complex system to a more traditional approach with divisional titles.
Ditcheva is considered the leading contender for the inaugural belt, having won the PFL Europe and PFL Global championships in the past two years. And now, two new additions to the organization may well stake their claim to face her.
Viviane Araujo and Ariane Lipski da Silva are the latest fighters to transition from the UFC to the PFL. Both Brazilian athletes left the premier MMA promotion this year and have now found their home in the SmartCage.
Araujo (13-7) was a long-standing member of the UFC`s flyweight top 10, securing victories over fighters like Karine Silva, Jennifer Maia, and Roxanne Modafferi during her six-year tenure in the Octagon.
Da Silva (17-11), a former KSW champion, experienced a three-fight losing streak that hindered her ascent to the top in the UFC. However, before this challenging period, the `Queen of Violence` lived up to her nickname by submitting Casey O`Neill with an armbar in late 2023.
The 31-year-old fighter is also renowned for one of the most brutal submissions in UFC history, when she forced Luana Carolina to tap out from a horrifying kneebar five years ago.
Usman Nurmagomedov vs Paul Hughes 2: Headlining the Next Major PFL Event
The announcement of PFL`s latest signings came just days before the promotion`s upcoming event in Dubai.
Following their classic title fight this past January, Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes will run it back nearly nine months later in a contest for the PFL lightweight title.
Their rematch is set to headline Friday`s PFL Champions Series 3 card at the Coca-Cola Arena, an event that will also feature fighters like Corey Anderson, Sergio Pettis, and Caolan Loughran.
