Juliana Velasquez defends flyweight belt against Denise Kielholtz this Friday

J. Velasquez (left) faces D. Kielholtz (right) at Bellator 262. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

The time is coming. This Friday (16), Brazilian Juliana Velasquez defends the flyweight title (up to 56,7kg) for the first time, in a fight against Denise Kielholtz, in the main fight of Bellator 262. In total, ten clashes are scheduled, with three other Brazilians.

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Willing to reaffirm her position as No. 1 in the flyweight division, Velasquez wants to remain undefeated in 11 fights to prove that she is among the best fighters in the world. To do this, she needs to stop Kielholtz's four-fight winning streak, which occupies seventh place in the division.

PUBLICITY:

Bantamweight (up to 61,2kg.) Matheus Mattos represents the 'Pitbull Brothers' and seeks his first victory in the organization, when he faces the American Cee Jay Hamilton.

OTHER BRAZILIANS

Born in Nova Iguaçu, in Rio de Janeiro, Dayana Silva fought evenly against julia budd in her debut, but ended up defeated. Now, she aims to triumph in the featherweight category (up to 65,7kg) against former title challenger, Arlene Blencowe.

PUBLICITY:

Now a heavyweight (up to 120,2kg), Ronny Markes is the only Brazilian on the preliminary card of the show. The native of Rio Grande do Norte faces former Titan FC and Surinamese Said Sowma at the end of the first half.

Juliana Velasquez x Denise Kielholtz

Excited by the opportunity to build a 'legacy' in the flyweight division, Juliana Velasquez wants to defend her division title for the first time. In December 2020, the Rio native beat Ilima-Lei Macfarlane in a unanimous decision by the judges to win the belt. In exclusive interview with SUPER LUTAS, she guarantees that she is 'hungry' to knock out and finish the fight. In his career, there are 11 wins and no defeats.

PUBLICITY:

On the other hand, Denise Kielholtz is trying for her second Bellator title. In addition to her MMA career, the Dutchwoman was also champion of the organization's kickboxing division. Aiming to win the title, she is known for delivering 'everything' within the decagon and is on a streak of four straight victories via fast routes – two knockouts and two submissions.

Matheus Mattos x Cee Jay Hamilton

Recovered after contracting COVID-19, Matheus Mattos wants to prove his worth in the Bellator bantamweight division. The carioca, who has a close connection with the brothers Patrício and Patricky Pitbull, lost to Magomed Magomedov in a unanimous decision by the judges, in his debut in the franchise. Professional since 2011, he has a record of 12 triumphs, two setbacks and one draw.

To do this, Mattos faces veteran Cee Jay Hamilton. The 35-year-old American is a former UFC Contender Series and has a stint in LFA. Coincidentally, he also suffered a setback against Magomed Magomedov. In April this year, Hamilton was submitted by the Russian with a rear naked choke in the second round. In total, there are 15 positive results and eight negative results.

PUBLICITY:

Dayana Silva x Arlene Brencowe

Considered one of the main Brazilian prospects in the featherweight division (up to 65,7kg), former Shooto Brasil champion Dayana Silva fought a balanced fight and was unable to beat the American julia budd. She faces Arlene Blencowe, who fought her last fight against Chris Cyborg, when she was submitted in the second round.

Ronny Markes x Said Sowma

At 33 years old, veteran Ronny Markes is an old acquaintance of Brazilian fans. With stints in the UFC and PFL, the native of Rio Grande do Norte has already been in the middleweight category (up to 83,9kg), light heavyweight (up to 93kg) and, now, he is in the heavyweight category (up to 120,2kg). He, however, was knocked out by Linton Vassell in the second round in his Bellator debut.

If Markes is experienced, Sowma only has three years as a professional. The Surinamese ended up losing to Tyrell Fortune on his debut in the organization and had his streak of six wins broken. Now, he tries to prove his worth in the heavyweight division.