Juliana Velasquez on Liz Carmouche, Bellator 278, and More
Juliana Velasquez defends her flyweight world championship against Liz Carmouche at Bellator 278. This main event clash transpires on Friday, April 22nd.
The Team Nogueira product looks to extend her overall mixed martial arts winning streak to 14 as the top-notch 125 pounder aims to go 13-0 as a pro.
I spoke with Velasquez prior to this sophomore title defense and excerpts from our chat are below.
Juliana Velasquez
Notching her first title defense in her last outing via split decision vs Denise Kielholtz at Bellator 262
“I knew it would be a tough fight. But I have a pretty good reading of what is going on in the fight. Once it was over, I knew for sure that I had won more rounds than her and I would get the scorecards.”
Velasquez’s feelings on her boxing being the difference-maker in besting a decorated kickboxer in Kielholtz
“I’m pretty confident in my standup. My Boxing, my Muay Thai, and my kickboxing. But making it work in that fight against a kickboxing world champion. Being effective and coming out with the win in a fight that was pretty much all standup shows me that we were working on the correct way. So it was very, very reassuring for me. To know that what I’m working is correct and that I’m improving in every area.”
Velasquez’s thoughts on the legendary resume and world-class skills of Liz Carmouche
“She’s a very accomplished fighter. She fought for titles in Strikeforce and UFC. Brings a lot of new things to the table. But as far as the problems she poses to me, I’m feeling well about that. I know it’s going to be a very good challenge but I’ve prepared for it. I know what I can do in the fight and that’s it.”
Parting thoughts for Juliana Velasquez
“Not really. The questions were pretty good and I think it sums up everything we did in my camp.”
