Juliana Velasquez expects 'unpredictable' Bellator 262 title fight with Denise Kielholtz

Bellator flyweight champion Juliana Velasquez is not afraid to stand toe-to-toe with kickboxing champion Denise Kielholtz.

Velasquez (11-0 MMA, 6-0 BMMA) is set to make her first title defense when she takes on Kielholtz on Friday at Bellator 262 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

Since losing to Veta Arteaga at Bellator 205, Bellator kickboxing champion Kielholtz (6-2 MMA, 6-1 BMMA) has won her past four bouts, most recently a 43-second knockout of Kate Jackson last October. But despite Kielholtz’s striking prowess, Velasquez thinks her size will play a factor.

“I recently watched Denise Kielholtz’s fight against Veta Arteaga, when Denise lost via standing guillotine,” Velasquez told MMA Junkie. “Denise and I are both judo black belts. Even though she’s more focused on kickboxing nowadays, I too enjoy striking. To be honest, I feel just as comfortable on the feet as I do on the ground. I feel Denise’s skills are similar to mine. I expect this to result in an unpredictable fight. Anything can happen. I have to stay alert since she’s a kickboxing champ, but I believe my reach will give me an advantage.”

With Friday being her first fight of the year since dethroning Ilima-Lei Macfarlane in December, Velasquez is hoping to squeeze another title defense in 2021.

“After this bout, I’d like to fight at least once more before the end of the year,” Velasquez said. “After my last one, I didn’t take the time to rest. This time around, I’m planning to take a one-month vacation. I’d like to take my mind off things for a while, so I can come back refreshed and refocus on fighting again.”