UNCASVILLE, Conn. – After her second straight win over a big name, Ilara Joanne is hoping she’ll start to draw some attention in Bellator’s women’s flyweight division.
The belt was on the line in Bellator 289’s co-main event Friday in Uncasville, Conn., and champion Liz Carmouche beat ex-champ and challenger Juliana Velasquez, who was the favorite, with a second-round submission.
But just three fights prior, Joanne (11-6 MMA, 3-2 BMMA) picked up a unanimous decision over Denise Kielholtz (6-5 MMA, 6-4 BMMA). The 28-year-old Brazilian beat Alejandra Lara in June to snap a two-fight skid. Now Joanne is hoping she’ll get a spot in the rankings – and maybe even some title consideration.
“When I beat Lara, she was No. 5 in the rankings,” Joanne told MMA Junkie through a translator. “Now I beat Denise, and she was No. 3. I hope I get to be in the rankings now because I’m not there.
“I think this puts me one fight away from a title shot. … That was my goal when I got here. … I feel I’m pretty close to it, and I’m certain when the time comes the belt is going to my home and it’s going to stay with my mother.”
The reality is, Joanne is not likely to fight for the title next, though. But a fight she said she’d be interested in is one against former division champ Ilima-Lei Macfarlane.
“That’s great – I would be very excited,” Joanne said of that fight’s potential. “It would be an honor for me. She’s a great athlete, and I can assure you I would be ready.”
To hear Joanne talk about her win over Kielholtz and what she wants next, check out the video above.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 289.
