Juliana Velasquez is the new Bellator flyweight champion after a tactical five-round fight against Ilima-Lei Macfarlane in the headliner of Bellator 254 on Thursday.
Velasquez earned scores of 48-47 twice and 49-46 for largely shutting down Macfarlane’s takedown game and countering the champ’s charges with heavier, more accurate punches. The 34-year-old Brazilian is the second 125-pound champion in the ViacomCBS-owned promotion’s history.
“This is like a gold medal I didn’t win in judo,” Velasquez said afterward via translator.
Velasquez size advantage was noticeable from the outset of the action at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.