Bellator flyweight champion Juliana Velasquez is not afraid to stand toe-to-toe with kickboxing champion Denise Kielholtz.
Velasquez (11-0 MMA, 6-0 BMMA) is set to make her first title defense when she takes on Kielholtz on Friday at Bellator 262 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.
Since losing to Veta Arteaga at Bellator 205, Bellator kickboxing champion Kielholtz (6-2 MMA, 6-1 BMMA) has won her past four bouts, most recently a 43-second knockout of Kate Jackson last October. But despite Kielholtz’s striking prowess, Velasquez thinks her size will play a factor.
“I recently watched Denise Kielholtz’s
With Friday being her first fight of the year since dethroning Ilima-Lei Macfarlane in December, Velasquez is hoping to squeeze another title defense in 2021.
“After this bout, I’d like to fight at least once more before the end of the year,” Velasquez said. “After my last one, I didn’t take the time to rest. This time around, I’m planning to take a one-month vacation. I’d like to take my mind off things for a while, so I can come back refreshed and refocus on fighting again.”
Juliana Velasquez expects ‘unpredictable’ Bellator 262 title fight with Denise Kielholtz