MMA star Dakota Ditcheva has turned to England’s heroic Lionesses for inspiration ahead of her PFL Europe semi-final.
The British former Muay Thai world champion is into the last four of the Professional Fighters League’s European season.
MMA star Dakota Ditcheva is in the PFL Europe semi-final
She faces Cornelia Holm on September 30 in Paris, looking to book her place in Dublin’s December 3 finale fight.
And in the midst of her gruelling training camp in Florida’s famed American Top Team gym, Ditcheva has been cheering on the Lionesses.
She told SunSport: “It’s been hard to watch the games due to the time difference and my training schedule but I have been keeping up to date with it on socials like Instagram.
“The girls are smashing it but honestly, I’m not surprised. They’ve brought it home for us before, I knew they’d smash it again this time.
“I was worried at the start with a few of the players having injuries like Leah Williamson and then even throughout the tournament they haven’t had it easy but honestly, the talent on that team is ridiculous.
“To go on and do what they’ve done so far is amazing, and an inspiration to us all.”
England have come from behind, battled back with a player down and prevailed on penalties during the Australasian World Cup.
And it has given Manchester City super-fan Ditcheva that little push needed when times have got tough in the gym.
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She said: “Those women have gone out and gave it their all every game. And like I said, with odds stacked against them.
“My fight camps are the same, I get little injuries and struggle to push through but seeing the strength in other women and teams like that makes me and my team do the same thing, keep pushing and keep making everyone proud.”
Ditcheva will have to set her alarm for 6am to watch tomorrow’s final against Spain live from her place in America.
And she hopes it will be a double whammy of victories starting at the Stadium Australia and ending next month at the Zenith Paris arena.
Ditcheva said: “I’m hoping to catch the final on Sunday! But honestly, win or lose, both me in Paris and the girls in the final we will leave everything out there.
“And with everyone’s support, I’m confident we’re going to do it in style too.”
EPAEngland’s Lionesses are in the World Cup final[/caption]