Tonight, Bellator makes it’s return for their 262nd show. In the main event of the evening we will see a battle for the women’s flyweight title. The undefeated champion Juliana Velasquez (11-0) will defend for the first time against top contender Denise Kielholtz (6-2).
As mentioned, this will be the first title defense for Juliana Velasquez. In her last fight at Bellator 254, the Brazilian flyweight defeated Ilima-Lei Macfarlane to capture the Bellator flyweight title.
So far, Velasquez is a perfect 6-0 inside of Bellator. She possesses great all-around skills, but she’s going to need to lean on her grappling and pressure tomorrow night. Standing across from her is former professional kickboxer Denise Kielholtz.
Kielholtz has over 40 professional kickboxing wins and she scored a beautiful first round knockout in her last performance at Bellator 247. She also has good skills on the ground as she has three submissions.
When it comes to Bellator 262, I think were going to see a lot of pressure from Velasquez. Do not expect her to play the range game with a striker like Kielholtz. This might turn into a slower and grueling fight, but I think Velasquez gets it done by decision.
Bellator 262 Co-Main Event
In the co-main event of Bellator 262 we will see a heavyweight battle. Veteran Matt Mitrione (13-8, 1 NC) is back to take on rising contender Tyrell Fortune (10-1, 1 NC). At 43 years old, we might be nearing the end for Matt Mitrione.
We were first introduced to “Meathead” back on The Ultimate Fighter in 2010. At that point, Mitrione had never fought professional. His entire career has been spent between the UFC and Bellator.
Back in 2016, Mitrione joined Bellator and got off to a hot start. He won his first four fights which included a first round knockout of Fedor Emelianenko. However, since then, he’s just 0-3, 1 NC and he hasn’t looked good. He’s going to have his hands full tomorrow night.
Standing in the way of Mitrione at Bellator 262 is Tyrell Fortune. Fortune was looked at as the top Bellator heavyweight prospect until he was knocked out by Tim Johnson. However, he’s bounced back nicely going 2-0, 1 NC since the loss.
Tomorrow night, I’m expecting a showcase for Fortune. Mitrione just isn’t the same guy and I don’t think he’s going to stop the takedowns of Fortune. I’m expecting a grind-out performance by Fortune on his way to picking up a second or third round TKO.