Current flyweight champion (up to 56,7kg), Juliana Velasquez will try to add a new chapter to her career in MMA, when she tries to defend her category title against the Dutch Denise Kielholtz, in the main fight of the Bellator 263 this Friday (16). In an exclusive interview with SUPER LUTAS channel on YouTube, the Brazilian reveals that she does not feel the weight of being the belt holder.
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“I see this fight like all the others. I'm not thinking about defending the belt. I'm going as if I'm searching for something I haven't yet achieved. I can't carry any weight. Start now at 50% to 50%. Ultimately, it's her responsibility. She's going to have to show something and with more impetus. I’m about to play my game, but zero responsibility,” said Velasquez.
Despite being focused on defending her title against Denise Kielholtz, the champion did not stop talking about Liz Carmouche, who could be her next opponent, if she manages to win this Friday (16). Velasquez, who does not adopt a provocative style, reveals that he did not like the American's recent comments and wants to face her in the future.
“Now my focus is on Denise. One fight at a time. But, for sure, going by her I would really like a fight against Liz Carmouche. Especially because she said that I didn't surprise anything and didn't have a fight worthy of a title, but 'those who have a mouth say what they want' and I want to see her speak when she's inside the octagon with me and feels the weight of my hand. I never saw her doing a show or anything different. Her fights are always warm and by decision. I've never seen anything much of her. I don't like and I'm not a fan of 'trash talk', but I also don't like people talking about me. She wants to talk, talk inside and, when we are face to face, she can say something”, said the champion.
PROBLEMS WITH COVID-19
Juliana became champion in the 'undefeated' duel against Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, when she beat the American in a unanimous decision by the judges, in December 2020. However, what few know is that, in addition to her opponent, she had to overcome the painful remains after testing positive for COVID-19. The Brazilian even says that she suffered from lung pain and constant fatigue, but decided not to disclose on her social networks that she had recently had the disease so as not to give 'ammunition' to her opponent.
“With each fight I always try to be better and do my best. In the last fight, I really wanted the knockout, but I had some problems beforehand. I didn't comment or post on social media, but I had COVID. So, I felt very weakened by a five-round fight. I was scared and blamed myself a lot, but I always look for the knockout or the submission. Today, I am 100% recovered. Even afterwards it was pretty dull. I wasn't going to talk or give any space, but I was very weak and I felt my lungs a lot. I felt very tired. I did a lot of training at home and without having contact with anyone”, said the athlete.
FINAL STRAIGHT OF PREPARATION AND MESSAGE TO FANS
With everything ready for the fight, Juliana Velasquez also sent a message to Brazilian fans. The Brazilian representative thanked them for their constant messages and promised to show up 'hungry' for a knockout or submission against Denise Kielholtz.
“The important thing is victory. Whether knocking out or submitting, the strategy will be (to do well) in all areas. (…), I want to thank all the messages of affection I have received. This week, I'm really not being friendly or smiling that much, but thank you everyone. I really hope to have a great fight. You can expect Juliana to be even more attentive and wanting to decide. I'm 'hungry' for a knockout and you can expect a slightly more aggressive Juliana”, she concluded.
Currently, Juliana Velasquez is 34 years old and is undefeated in MMA. The Rio native has 11 career victories. On the other hand, Denise Kielholtz is on a streak of four consecutive victories and has a record of six positive results and two negative results.
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