NORWICH, Conn. – Liz Carmouche would rather be fighting a new opponent for her first Bellator title defense, but is ready to turn away Juliana Velasquez for the second time.
In the co-main event of Bellator 289, Carmouche (17-7 MMA, 4-0 BMMA) will put her flyweight title on the line for the first time against former champ Velasquez (12-1 MMA, 7-1 BMMA) in an immediate rematch. The event takes place at Mohegan Sun Arena, and airs on Showtime following prelims on MMA Junkie.
At Bellator 278, Carmouche locked Velasquez in a crucifix position and began raining down elbows. Immediately after referee Mike Beltran stopped the fight, Velasquez began protesting the stoppage, despite being unable to improve her position. For some, the result was controversial. Others, like Carmouche and her team, thought it was on to the next opponent for her first title defense.
