Former foes face off… for a final time?
We’ll see if that’s so as Bellator Flyweight Champion Liz Carmouche rematches former champ Juliana Velasquez. The two women fought each other back-to-back in 2022 with Carmouche finishing her Brazilian adversity both times.
Velasquez gets another shot at redemption, this time in the PFL regular season which starts off at the Boeing Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Round 1:
Carmouche immediately secures the distance from within the clinch. Carmouche presses Velasquez towards the cage with Velasquez turning it around getting control of her own. This happens over and over with the flyweights fighting for position. Velasquez and Carmouche trade short punches while in the clinch.
Carmouche hammers away with her back against the cage. Velasquez lands a knee to the body. Leg kick lands for Carmouche. Carmouche moves forward and swings big with a couple of hooks before entering the clinch. Carmouche throws a knee and attempts a takedown on Velasquez. Velasquez is able to keep herself on the feet.
They trade more strikes in the clinch with Velasquez shooting for a takedown right before the bell sounds.
Christopher De Santiago scores the round 10-9 Carmouche
Round 2:
Carmouche gets started right away with an early combo of strikes. The Bellator Champion works her way for a takedown which she finally secures. Carmouche controls on top. Carmouche stands up only to go to the ground with Velasquez again. Carmouche doesn’t do much with the position and Velasquez punches from bottom.
Carmouche lands a knee to the body from top position. With seconds left on the clock, Carmouche attempts an armbar but the Brazilian manages to defend it, holding her arm until the bell sounds.
Christopher De Santiago scores the round 10-9 Carmouche
Round 3:
Velasquez wastes no time and sprints to clinch Carmouche against the cage. Carmouche lands knees as she works to regain control in the clinch. They separate. Velasquez fires at will from a distance, but Velasquez gradually works for a successful takedown.
Velaaquez separates for a few seconds and goes to the ground again, finding side control on Velasquez. Carmouche improves to full mount. The women find themselves searching for a heel hook in the 50/50 position. Carmouche comes close to locking in the submission but time runs out for the returning champion in this non-title fight.
Christopher De Santiago scores the round 10-9 Carmouche
Official result: Liz Carmouche defeats Juliana Velasquez by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Check out the highlights below:
Liz Carmouche ends round 2 with the Submission attempt! Round 3 up now!#PFLRegularSeason LIVE NOW
— PFL (@PFLMMA) April 5, 2024
🇺🇸ESPN2
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Liz Carmouche gets the final Women's Flyweight W of the night and 3 points in the standings!#PFLRegularSeason LIVE NOW
— PFL (@PFLMMA) April 5, 2024
🇺🇸ESPN2
🌎 https://t.co/jPNvomCxHI pic.twitter.com/7ebdPcZNV6
