The final card of 2020 for Bellator MMA saw a changing of the guard in the women’s flyweight division.
In the main event of Bellator 254, Brazilian challenger Juliana Velasquez became the first woman to defeat reigning champion Ilima-Lei Macfarlane. Winning the title and improving her own record to an unbeaten 11-0, Velasquez proved to be every bit the challenge many expected she represented for the Hawaiian. Fighting an at times conservative bout, she relied on her power and height advantage, and captured a unanimous decision win in the end.
Velasquez’s title win opens up a world of possibilities for Bellator’s 125lb division. Former title challengers like Alejandra Lara are suddenly back in the mix. Liz Carmouche is waiting in the wings for a title shot of her own. And the possibility of a flyweight grand prix involving all the aforementioned fighters is tantalizing.
Check below for full results from Bellator 254, and a gallery of highlights from all the evening’s bouts.
Bellator 254: Macfarlane vs. Velasquez Results
Main Card:
Juliana Velasquez def. Ilima-Lei Macfarlane by unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 48-47) – for the Bellator MMA women’s flyweight championship
Magomed Magomedov def. Matheus Mattos by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
Linton Vassell def. Ronny Markes by TKO (strikes), Round 2, 3:37
Romero Cotton def. Justin Sumter by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 3:36
Preliminary Card:
Billy Goff def. Robson Gracie Jr. by TKO (strikes), Round 2, 1:46
Cody Law def. Kenny Champion by TKO (strikes), Round 3, 4:44
Grant Neal def. Maurice Jackson by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 2, 3:59
Shamil Nikaev def. Kemran Lachinov by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
