Juliana Velasquez won the women's flyweight championship with a hard-fought unanimous decision over Ilima-Lei Macfarlane to end 2020.
Now, we'll see how the undefeated Brazilian fares trying to defend the title. Velasquez will put the flyweight belt on the line against Denise Kielholtz in the main event of Bellator 262 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. on Friday night. Tyrell Fortune will take on Matt Mitrione in a heavyweight co-main event.
The 34-year-old Velasquez has been nothing short of a force since entering Bellator in December 2017, having gone 6-0 under the promotion and 11-0 overall. Of course, her win over Macfarlane was Velasquez's most significant victory to date. That December 2020 tilt had Velasquez leaving Macfarlane's face bloody as a result of pinpoint striking, including peppering jabs and a stinging jump knee to be crowned the new champion.
Velasquez will be seeking her first title defense against Kielholtz (6-2), who is on a four-fight winning streak. The 32-year-old from The Netherlands flattened Kate Jackson with a 43-second knockout in her last time out back in October to help land this title shot opportunity.
Will Velasquez use her striking to dominate Kielholtz or will Kielholtz score the upset and walk out of Connecticut as the new world women's flyweight champion?
Here's everything you need to know about Bellator 262: Velasquez vs. Kielholtz.
When is Bellator 262: Velasquez vs. Kielholtz? Date, start time
- Date: Friday, July 16
- Time: 9 p.m. ET/2 a.m. BST
- Main event: 11:15 p.m. ET/4: 15 a.m. BST
The Bellator 262: Velasquez vs. Kielholtz main card launches at 9 p.m. ET, which makes for a 2 a.m. start BST. The headliners will make their walks to the cage for their flyweight championship fight at approximately 11:15 p.m. ET/4:15 a.m. BST although that depends on the length of the earlier fights.
What channel/stream is Bellator 262: Velasquez vs. Kielholtz?
- US: Showtime
You can watch Bellator 262: Velasquez vs. Kielholtz live on Showtime. It can also be live streamed via Showtime's website or app.
A UK broadcaster has yet to be announced for this event.
Where is the Velasquez vs. Kielholtz fight?
The Bellator 262: Velasquez vs. Kielholtz card will take place at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. It's the same venue that Velasquez defeated Macfarlane to be crowned the new women's flyweight champion of the world. Kielholtz has never fought at the site.
Juliana Velasquez record and bio
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Born: Oct. 19, 1986
- Height: 5-7
- Reach: 67 1/2 inches
- Total fights: 11
- Record: 11-0
Denise Kielholtz record and bio
- Nationality: Dutch
- Born: March 30, 1989
- Height: 5-3
- Reach: Unlisted
- Total fights: 8
- Record: 6-2
Bellator 262: Velasquez vs. Kielholtz main card
- Juliana Velasquez vs. Denise Kielholtz for Velasquez's flyweight championship
- Tyrell Fortune vs. Matt Mitrione; Heavyweight
- Matheus Mattos vs. Cee Jay Hamilton; Bantamweight
- Arlene Blencowe vs. Dayana Silva; Featherweight
- Johnny Eblen vs. Travis Davis; Middleweight