Juliana Velasquez

Juliana Velasquez Tonasse (born October 19, 1986) is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the flyweight division of Bellator MMA, where she is the former Bellator Women's Flyweight World Champion.

Background
Juliana Velasquez's father introduced her to the judo mats when she was only four years old. The young carioca entered high-level competition 11 years later, capturing a few medals in the South American judo circuit. After failing to win a spot on the Brazilian Olympic Judo team, at the age of 28, she decided to try her luck in the mixed martial arts world.

In 2013, she gained attention in Brazil for her part played in a polemic story about a fight between herself and male fighter Emerson Falcão, promoted by Shooto Brazil. After receiving a ton of criticism from the combat sports community for the promotion of a fight between a man and a woman, the promotion revealed the real reason for the event was to raise awareness and bring attention to a campaign about violence against women and that the bout wasn't actually going to take place.

Early career
Making her debut in 2014, Velasquez won her amateur debut via second-round submission, later that year, kicking off her professional career with a decision victory in a Rio de Janeiro regional promotion. She won her next 4 fights, collecting a 5–0 record, in the process also winning the 1RC Vacant Bantamweight Championship and defending it once. She was eventually offered a multi fight contract with Bellator MMA.

Bellator MMA
Juliana made her Bellator debut against Na Liang at Bellator 189 on December 1, 2017. She won the fight via second round armbar.

Juliana faced Rebecca Ruth at Bellator 197 on April 13, 2018. She won the fight via front kick to the body in the third round.

In her third fight for the promotion, Velasquez faced Alejandra Lara at Bellator 212 on December 14, 2018. She won the fight via split decision.

Juliana faced Kristina Williams at Bellator 224 on July 12, 2019. She won the fight via TKO in the second round.

Juliana faced Bruna Ellen at Bellator 236 on December 21, 2019. She won the fight via unanimous decision.

Bellator Women's Flyweight World Champion
Juliana faced undefeated flyweight champ, Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, on December 10, 2020 at Bellator 254. She won the fight and the Bellator Women's Flyweight World Championship via unanimous decision.

Juliana made her first title defense against Denise Kielholtz on July 16, 2021 at Bellator 262. She won the bout by split decision.

Velasquez attempted to defend her title against Liz Carmouche on April 22, 2022 at Bellator 278. She lost the bout and the title via elbows from crucifix at the end of the fourth round. Following the bout, Velasquez's team appealed the result on the grounds of refereeing error made by Mike Beltran, but the appeal was denied by the Hawaii State Boxing Commission.

In a title rematch, Velasquez faced Liz Carmouche again on December 9, 2022 at Bellator 289. She lost the fight via an armbar submission in the second round.

Velasquez was scheduled to face Paula Cristina on November 17, 2023 at Bellator 301. The week of the event, the bout was scrapped for unknown reasons.

PFL
Velasquez debuted with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) at PFL 1 on April 4, 2024 and lost the bout by unanimous decision to Liz Carmouche in a third consecutive loss against her.

Velasquez faced Lisa Mauldin at PFL 4 on June 13, 2024. She won the fight via TKO in the second round.

Mixed martial arts

 * Bellator MMA
 * Bellator Women's Flyweight World Championship (One time)
 * One successful title defense
 * 1º Round Combat
 * 1RC Bantamweight Championship (One time)
 * One successful title defense