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.[2]
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.[3]
Mixed martial arts career
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.[3]
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.[4]
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.[5]
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.[6]
Juliana faced Kristina Williams at Bellator 224 on July 12, 2019. She won the fight via TKO in the second round.[7]
Juliana faced Bruna Ellen at Bellator 236 on December 21, 2019. She won the fight via unanimous decision.[8]
Velasquez attempted to defend her title against Liz Carmouche on April 22, 2022 at Bellator 278.[13] She lost the bout and the title via elbows from crucifix at the end of the fourth round.[14] 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.[15]
In a title rematch, Velasquez faced Liz Carmouche again on December 9, 2022 at Bellator 289.[16] She lost the fight via an armbar submission in the second round.[17]
Velasquez was scheduled to face Paula Cristina on November 17, 2023 at Bellator 301.[18] The week of the event, the bout was scrapped for unknown reasons.[19]
