PFL: Jena Bishop Received Strong Push Into MMA By Former UFC Title Challenger

As someone who dominated in the world of jiu-jitsu for over a decade, Jena Bishop knew she needed a new challenge.

Bishop will get the biggest fight of her MMA career when the PFL Playoffs begin Friday live on ESPN Networks. She fights unbeaten Dakota Ditcheva in the co-main event from the Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee.

Related: 2024 PFL Schedule: Fight card, betting odds, watch times for PFL Season

As a product of New Breed Fitness out of San Diego, Bishop long pondered what competing in MMA would be like. But a push from Cat Zingano helped her take the leap.

Bishop turned pro in 2021 and won her first seven fights. That included a pair of submission wins in her last Bellator appearance and first for PFL. She tapped out Chelsea Hackett this past April.

Along with that win, Bishop owns a victory over Ilara Joanne. In her most recent appearance, though, she dropped a split decision to veteran Taila Santos, who also made the semifinals. Santos faces current Bellator champion Liz Carmouche on the same night.

“I was competing in jiu-jitsu for a long time,” Bishop said. “I have been a black belt for 11 years.

“When I started on my jiu-jitsu journey, I wanted to try MMA. I wanted to see what I could do.”

In Ditcheva, Bishop will get a PFL European champion who is a perfect 12-0. She finished Hackett in June and owns 10 knockout and one win by submission in her career.

“I have the same mentality that I would for any fight: I want to win,” Bishop said. “That’s the goal.”

Jena Bishop-Dakota Ditcheva Part Of PFL Playoff Opener

Along with Bishop battling Ditcheva and Santos facing Carmouche, the men’s heavyweight semifinals are scheduled for the night.

In the main event, Denis Goltsov takes on Timothy Johnson. The main card opens with Oleg Popov and Linton Vassell going one-on-one.

Some other planned fights included Tyrell Fortune vs. Sergey Bilostenniy in a heavyweight alternate fight and Cody Law facing Zachary Hicks.

Follow us on YouTube and get front-row access to our latest insights and analysis – subscribe now and never miss a knockout moment .

More must-reads:

• PFL Sets Stage For 2024 Semifinals With Main Card Details
• Why Signing With The PFL Makes Most Sense For Nate Diaz Next
• Bellator Books Pair Of September Championship Matches