Ilima-Lei Macfarlane to defend title at Bellator 254

Bellator flyweight champ Ilima-Lei Macfarlane will defend her title against Brazil’s Juliana Velasquez at Bellator 254 on Dec. 10 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The event will air live on the CBS Sports Network.

Neither has lost a fight in the early stages of their careers with Macfarlane stepping into the cage with an 11-0 mark. Velasquez counters with a 10-0 record in what should be an entertaining bout. Macfarlane has won eight of her fights by stoppage. Her Rio de Janeiro opponent is a black belt judoka, who like Macfarlane, has beaten everyone who has stepped in front of her. This will be Macfarlane’s fifth title defense.