This was former champion Ilima-Lei Macfarlane at the top of her game. Enjoy this full fight replay!
Bellator 213 “Macfarlane vs. Letourneau” took place December 15, 2018 at Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii. Appropriately for such a venue Hawaii’s favorite daughter Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (8-0) defended her Flyweight title against former UFC star Valerie Letourneau (10-6) on home soil in the main event.
It was an emotional night for Macfarlane, fighting for the first time in her pro career in her home state, and she received a welcome befitting that return including ceremonial dancers and throngs of fans chanting her name. Even though the moment could potentially have been overwhelming for other fighters, “Iliminator” still performed at a peak level.
Despite giving up a size advantage to Letourneau, the submission game of Macfarlane proved superior to the striking game of the woman who once took Strawweight champ Joanna J?drzejczyk a full five rounds. Once Macfarlane clamped on that triangle choke in the third round Letourneau had no choice but to tap, and the tears started flowing after.
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