With visa problems, Juliana Velasquez leaves the fight and Macfarlane faces Justine Kish at Bellator 279

J. Velasquez is the Bellator flyweight champion. Photo: Bellator Disclosure

Bellator flyweight champion (up to 56,7kg), Juliana Velasquez is out of the second fight for the belt. Due to visa problems, the Brazilian is unable to travel and leaves her rematch against Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, who will now face Justine Kish in the Bellator 279. The information was verified by SUPER FIGHTS, with sources close to the event.

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The duel would even mark the rematch between the two athletes. In the first confrontation, despite being close, Velaquez imposed the use of his Macfarlane wingspan from a distance and won the unanimous decision of the judges and won the title of Scott Coker's company.

Flyweight champion since December 2020, Juliana awaits the definition of her next opponent. In her last appearance, she beat Denise Kielhotz in a close fight and increased her streak to 12 victories in professional fights.

Inaugural champion of the division, Ilima-Lei has had four successful title defenses and, to date, has only lost to the Brazilian. In his career, Bellator's 'child' has a record of 11 positive results – six by submission, two by knockout and three by judge's decision – and only one negative result. She returns against Justine Kish, in issue no. 279, which takes place on April 23.

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