Bellator MMA has locked up former UFC women’s flyweight fighter Poliana Botelho in an exclusive, multi-fight deal.
Promotion officials announced the news in a press release posted to their official website on Wednesday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. News of the signing was previously reported by Ag.Fight.
“I’m very excited to sign with BELLATOR because they have a very strong roster in the women’s flyweight division,” Botelho said in a statement released as part of Wednesday’s announcement. “I’m coming to make a lot of noise, climb my way to the top, and become BELLATOR World Champion! I’m ready for that!”
Botelho (9-5) fought seven times under the UFC banner, joining the promotion in 2017 after starting her career on the regional circuit in Brazil. She would earn a win over Pearl Gonzalez in her promotional debut, which came at strawweight. Botelho posted a 2-1 record at 115lbs before returning to flyweight in 2019, starting out with a win over Lauren Mueller. Three straight losses would follow, however, before Botelho was released by the organization.
She returned to the win column late last month with a win over TUF alum Helen Peralta at Invicta FC 49.
Outside of her win over Gonzalez, Botelho holds victories over current UFC fighter Silvana Gómez Juárez and current Bellator flyweight Karina Rodriguez, herself a former Invicta FC champ.
