Velasquez vs Kielholtz Flyweight Title Fight Headlines Bellator 262

Juliana Velasquez will attempt to defend her Bellator MMA women’s Flyweight title for the first time when she faces the promotion’s 125-pound kickboxing champion, Denise Kielholtz, in the main event of Bellator 262 on July 16, 2021.

The promotion announced the booking of the headlining title fight — which will take place inside Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., and airs live on SHOWTIME — earlier today (Fri., May 21).

Undefeated at 11-0, Velasquez won the 125-pound title by defeating Illami-Lei McFarlane at Bellator 254 in Dec. 2020, handing her the first loss of her mixed martial arts (MMA) career. Velasquez (34) is 6-0 so far inside the Bellator cage.

“I’m extremely excited and happy to get back in the BELLATOR cage and defend my title for the first time,” said Velasquez via a press release. “I’ve been training really hard, and I’m fully prepared to put on an incredible performance for my fans. Denise has been a great champion in the BELLATOR kickboxing ring, but this MMA belt is mine and it will be going back to Brazil with me after the fight.”

Kielholtz, meanwhile, is looking to add the 125-pound MMA title right alongside the Bellator MMA kickboxing title that is already in her possession. In the MMA arena, Kielholtz is 6-2 which includes 6-1 record for the promotion. The striking specialist has won her last four fights via stoppage, earning two submission and two knockout wins to give her the shot at the title.

“This is the moment I’ve been waiting for since I was a child,” said Kielholtz. “My journey in martial arts started when I was nine years old. I have earned multiple championships from kickboxing and judo and I feel like the universe has put everything together. All the hard work, all the sacrifices I have made in my life have all led me to this opportunity. This will be the crowning achievement of my career. This is mine.”

The event will allow a limited number of fans to attend, with tickets going on sale for as low as $60 starting with a special pre-sale on Thursday June 3.

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