TOKYO – Ilara Joanne has updated her ‘kill list’.
Joanne (9-4 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) takes on undefeated judoka Kana Watanabe this Saturday (Sunday locally), where she hopes a win will lead to a title shot against Bellator flyweight champ Ilima-Lei Macfarlane.
In her last outing, Macfarlane notched her fourth successful title defense, when she defeated Kate Jackson via unanimous decision at Bellator 236.
And from what Joanne saw of Macfarlane’s last performance, she’s confident that she can take her out.
“She has a great game,” Joanne told reporters, including MMA Junkie, through translation. “She has a grappling game but she wasn’t able to apply her game and get that submission, but against me, we’re a good matchup. She’s good in grappling, I’m good in grappling, but I’m going to submit her.”
But first, she has to get through Watanabe (8-0-1 MMA, 0-0 BMMA), where Joanne is actually the betting underdog going into the fight, but will look to relish that position.
“I like being the underdog because a lot of people start cheering against me but then when I get the victory, I get all the media so yes I’m going against a judo player, she’s undefeated but I’m the more complete fighter and I’m better prepared.”
“I feel real calm but it is because I’ve been doing this game since 2013. I’ve been a pro fighter so it’s all been worth it to arrive at this point but now I’m just here, I’m ready to do my job.”
Ilara Joanne's new 'kill list': Beat Kana Watanabe, then submit champ Ilima-Lei Macfarlane