In a flyweight title fight on the main card, Thursday, Juliana Velasquez and Ilima-Lei Macfarlane meet at Bellator 254 at the Mohegan Sun Area in Uncasville, Conn. The main card begins at 10 p.m. ET.
Tune in to Bellator 254 this Thursday, Dec. 10th, prelims at 6 PM on CBS Sports Network
Velasquez vs. Macfarlane: Tale of the tape
Velasquez (10-0) and Macfarlane (11-0) scrap for the flyweight strap. The unbeaten Velasquez has picked up five wins with the company, including three victories inside the distance. Two of the wins have come via KO/TKO, with one submission win in her debut over three years ago. Last time out she went the distance, getting her arm raised in a unanimous decision victory over Bruna Ellen.
As far as Macfarlane is concerned, she has the most consecutive Bellator wins by a female fighter, and her seven stoppage wins are also the most among females. She has also held the title for over three years dating back to Nov. 2017 in a submission win over Emily Ducote. Eight of her 11 fights have finished inside the distance, with six coming via submission. She has proven herself to be one of the best grapplers, not only among female fighters but in all of Bellator. Velasquez will have to be on her toes with a strong defense.
Place your legal, online Bellator 254 sports bets in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV at BetMGM, the King of Sportsbooks. New customer offer. Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!
Velasquez vs. Macfarlane: Betting odds, predictions and picks
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 11:30 a.m. ET.
I am looking for this fight to go the distance, and it’s time to see a changing of the card in the women’s flyweight division, too. Macfarlane (+120) has been a worthy champion for a number of years, and she’ll be looking to get this fight to the canvas quickly, where she has the advantage. VELASQUEZ (-145) will be able to avoid that, and keep it upright, looking to wow the judges to win on points.
Get some action on Bellator 254 by placing a legal sports bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2559]