Juliana Velasquez set to defend title vs. Denise Kielholtz in Bellator 262 headliner

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Bellator women’s flyweight champion Juliana Velasquez has her first title defense scheduled.

At Bellator 262 on July 16, Velasquez (11-0 MMA, 6-0 BMMA) will take on first-time challenger Denise Kielholtz in the card’s main event at Mohegan Sun Arena. The main card airs on Showtime after prelims on MMA Junkie.

Promotion officials announced the matchup Friday. MMA DNA was the first to report the news.

Velasquez, 34, won the 125-pound strap when she defeated longtime champion Ilima-Lei Macfarlane via unanimous decision at Bellator 254 in December. Prior to the title-clinching performance, Velasquez defeated Bruna Ellen, Kristina Williams, and Alejandra Lara.

Kielholtz (6-2 MMA, 6-1 BMMA) enters Bellator 262 on a four-fight winning streak. Five of her six professional wins have come inside the distance. Despite entering MMA with an extensive kickboxing background, Kielholtz has secured three submission victories. Her wins include Kate Jackson and Kristina Williams.