Dakota Ditcheva and Jess Lyons enthral crowd at Machines on Fire

After a show, selecting just two standout fighters for a headline is difficult, but Dakota Ditcheva and Jess Lyons left an indelible impression in Merseyside on Saturday night.

Dakota Ditcheva (Northern Spirit) fought Katia Pinto (Ni Yai Muay Thai) in the main event of Machines on Fire.

Once the bell sounded controlled chaos ensued; instead of either combatant settling into the bout cautiously, elbows and knees were spitefully thrown instantly.

Pinto’s tactics were to get on the inside and rough up Ditcheva, but Ditcheva dismantled that plan by kicking viciously as her opponent tried to close the distance.

When Pinto did pin Ditcheva against the ropes, she was pummelled with slashing elbows to the head.

It was grimacing to watch but Pinto disguised her pain bravely.

Fighters are artists and Ditcheva demonstrated that with beautiful brutality. She used her greater height and reach to be clinical in her striking.

Five rounds of ruthlessness by Ditcheva scored her a unanimous victory.

The fight ought to have been stopped earlier with Pinto enduring excessive blows.

All fighters have courage, but Pinto displayed heart in abundance by continuing to fight despite being hurt and outclassed throughout.

It was a stunning performance by Ditcheva which will live long in the memory.

As Jess Lyons (Batesy’s Gym) dispatched Gemma Collins (Warrior Muay Thai) in round one on the undercard, her intensity inspired comparisons of Ronda Rousey, the way she entered the ring and completed the task with rapid menace.

Lyons chased down her prey without pause. Collins was soon on the canvas after having her head snapped back with a high kick.

56KG’s was the weight category but Lyons carries innate striking power, precarious for women of any division.

Collins ascended but Lyons exhibited her killer instinct to capture the finish.

After landing decisive shots with mesmerizing dexterity, the referee correctly called an end to the one-sided contest. Collins looked broken but on the night she faced a wrecking machine on a brutal mission.

It would be a pleasure to someday witness young Jess Lyons fight again, her merciless efficiency was as impressive as any female fighter I have seen live.