Poliana Botelho signed to Bellator MMA flyweight division
BELLATOR MMA has announced the signing of flyweight Poliana Botelho (9-5) to its robust women’s flyweight division. The Brazilian is the former XFC flyweight champion and competed seven times for the UFC between 2017-2022. Botelho a Brazilian jiu jitsu purple belt, and a Brazilian wrestling champion.
A professional since 2013, Botelho holds wins over notable opponents in Pearl Gonzalez (10-5) and Lauren Mueller (5-4). Last month, Botelho notched an impressive unanimous decision victory over Helen Peralta (5-3) at Invicta FC 49; Botelho demonstrated her well-rounded skillset and strong knee strikes throughout the fight.
The 33-year-old joins a talent-stacked flyweight division reigned by MMA pioneer Liz Carmouche (17-7), ex-titlists Juliana Velasquez (12-1) and Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (12-2), Japan’s Kana Watanabe (11-1-1), and Denise Kielholtz (6-4), among others.
