Jena Bishop Wins PFL Flyweight Title, Sets Up Rematch with Dakota Ditcheva

Key points

• Jena Bishop won her first major title by defeating Liz Carmouche via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47) at Wintrust Arena.
• Carmouche, 42, shaved her head to make the 125-pound weight limit for the fight.
• Bishop's victory sets up a highly anticipated rematch with undefeated Dakota Ditcheva, who has received medical clearance to fight in early 2027.
• The fight was a rematch of their August 2025 encounter, where Carmouche won by first-round knockout.
• Bishop, 40, is now 12-3 overall and on a three-fight winning streak.

Background

Jena Bishop and Liz Carmouche previously met in August 2025, where Carmouche won by first-round knockout. Carmouche had been on a four-fight winning streak prior to this bout. Bishop had won two straight fights since losing to Carmouche, including a first-round armbar against Ariane Lipski da Silva. Carmouche, a former Bellator flyweight champion and UFC title challenger, has been fighting in the PFL since 2024.

How outlets are covering it

MMA Junkie and Bleacher Report both emphasized Bishop's upset victory and the upcoming fight with Dakota Ditcheva. Bleacher Report noted that the judges scored the fight 28-27 in Bishop's favor, while MMA Junkie reported the scores as 48-47. BBC focused on Carmouche's last-minute head shave to make weight, highlighting her struggle with the 125-pound limit. Sherdog provided detailed round-by-round scoring, noting that Bishop won rounds 1, 3, and 5, while Carmouche won round 2. All sources agreed on the final result and the significance of the upcoming Ditcheva fight.

Why it matters

Bishop's victory establishes her as the new PFL women's flyweight champion and sets up a highly anticipated bout with undefeated star Dakota Ditcheva, who is 16-0 overall and 11-0 in the PFL. The fight is expected to take place in early 2027. Carmouche's loss ends her four-fight winning streak and may prompt her to consider retirement or a move to a higher weight class, as she has expressed difficulty making the 125-pound limit.

What to watch

Bishop is expected to face Dakota Ditcheva for the PFL women's flyweight title in early 2027. Ditcheva has received medical clearance and is ready to fight. Carmouche has indicated that a fight against Ditcheva is the only 'fight that makes sense' for her next bout, but it is unclear if she will pursue it or retire.