THACKERVILLE, Okla. – With a victory Friday, flyweight Denise Kielholtz thinks she’ll be within an arm’s reach of Bellator gold.
A kickboxing star turned MMA fighter, Kielholtz (4-2 MMA, 4-1 BMMA) looks to extend her win streak to four when she takes on Kristina Williams at Bellator 239.
“Camp went really, really good,” Kielholtz told MMA Junkie. “I feel very excited to get back in there. I think every training camp is good, but every training camp is different. I learned more to explore (how to be) an MMA fighter.”
According to Kielholtz, Williams (3-2 MMA, 3-2 BMMA) poses some threats – but not unconquerable ones. Kielholtz complimented the Oklahoman’s toughness and grit, which she expects will be on display at Bellator 239.
“I think I’m going to see the best version of Kristina Williams,” Kielholtz said. “She’s a really good fighter with good kicks. She has a tough heart. I think she’s the perfect opponent for me. I think we have a plan. With how we train, she’s the perfect opponent to work this plan against. I have all the respect for her and I’m really excited to fight her because she’s a good opponent.”
In Kielholtz’s mind, there’s no question she’ll walk away from Bellator 239 victorious. While the Dutch fighter doesn’t expect to get an immediate title shot, Kielholtz thinks one more victory post-Bellator 239 should do the trick.
“I think I’m really close,” Kielholtz said. “Of course, I’m going to win this fight. I hope to get, after this fight, another challenge who’s a ground fighter. After those two wins, I’m 1,000 percent ready for the title shot.”
If she picks up two more victories and the Bellator flyweight title doesn’t change hands in the meantime, Kielholtz expects to square off with Ilima-Lei Macfarlane. Despite the Hawaiian champion’s career dominance, Kielholtz says she’s seen weaknesses in Macfarlane’s game.
“I’ve seen a lot of her fights and I think she’s a really good fighter,” Kielholtz said. “She’s really tough on the ground, but I also see some things where I think, ‘Hey, I can take her (here). This is her weakest point.’ I saw some holes in her fight game. I hope to fight her one day and get the win from (exposing) those holes.
“I think if she has a really good challenge from a fighter (like) I am, I think she gets a better fight. She’s a good champion and I hope to get two wins to fight her one day.”
Bellator 239 takes place Friday at WinStar World Casino Resort. The main card airs on Paramount and streams on DAZN following prelims on MMA Junkie.
Bellator 239: Denise Kielholtz predicts she'll beat two more contenders, then Ilima-Lei Macfarlane