Ditcheva came into the bout as arguably the PFL’s biggest female star after a remarkable start to her MMA career.
Since joining the PFL in 2022, she has won nine fights all by stoppage, with seven of her wins coming in the first round.
Brazil’s Santos, 31, is a former UFC flyweight title challenger and was tipped to provide the toughest test of Ditcheva’s career, but like many previous opponents, the Briton made it look easy.
After winning last year’s PFL Europe flyweight title, Ditcheva has transitioned effortlessly to the global stage, securing three first-round knockouts to set up the showpiece bout with Santos.
Ditcheva looked relaxed during her walkout, despite the magnitude of the occasion, dancing her way to the cage as a pocket of fans from the UK cheered the Manchester fighter.
Ditcheva opened the contest with a trio of leg kicks before landing a quick one-two punch combination which stung Santos.
It set the tone for a dominant round as Ditcheva navigated the grappling exchanges well, before going on the attack again with a front kick to the face which brought ‘oohs’ from the crowd.
Ditcheva’s advantage in the striking continued in the second round as she continued to target Santos’ legs, before attacking with knees and elbows.
With Santos taking more punishment, she backed up against the cage before Ditcheva went in for the finish.
A thudding knee hurt the Brazilian, who keeled over as Ditcheva continued to target the body.
With Santos defenceless, the referee stepped in, crowning Ditcheva Britain’s first female MMA world champion.
She celebrated by putting lipstick on in the centre of the octagon, before embracing her team and roaring with joy.
“She’s a tough girl. I knew what I was capable of. I worked so hard,” added Ditcheva. “They’ve been talking, ‘she’s just a Barbie, she should be a model’. Well a model just beat you in round two, so shut up.”
She then paid tribute to her family, adding: “I honestly could not do this without my team. I cried pretty much every day this camp.
“These guys have kept me stuck together. My brother put his whole life on hold for me. He’s not even got a girlfriend because he’s always with me. This belt is for him.”
