Juliana Velasquez acknowledges that her name might not come up as one of the best pound for pound hitherto, but he thinks Bellator 278 should change that.
Velasquez (12-0 MMA, 7-0 BMMA), a former international standout in judo, has yet to lose a mixed martial arts match. If she defeats former UFC title challenger Liz Carmouche (16-7 MMA, 3-0 BMMA) in the main event of Bellator 278, it will mark two successful defenses for the champion.
“I think I should (be mentioned in the conversation), but I have a fight coming up. Of course my name will be on the list after this matchup”.
Velasquez, 35, started MMA later than most, but it worked out well. He defeated longtime champion Ilima-Lei Macfarlane in December 2020. before a split decision over Denise Kielholtz earned her her first title defense in June 2021.
“Obviously, I learned a lot. Usually I don’t want to let the judges decide. I don’t like to leave my fight in the hands of the judges, but I think (I did) enough. … I had my internal problems. There was a bit of pressure. It was my first title defense. Today I feel very confident and I really want to get a knockout.”
Despite Carmouche’s place as one of the top-tier starting fighters in UFC history, Velásquez was not worried about the nostalgia of sharing a poster. Currently there is only one A-side, he thinks.
“She has a lot of experience, but today I am the world champion, not her. I look at the poster and I am super excited to be there.”
