The PFL`s April 11 event in Orlando faced significant changes, impacting several fighters, including Juliana Velasquez. The second card of the 2025 season notably saw its main event altered twice.
Velasquez, a former Bellator flyweight champion, was originally scheduled to main event against Taila Santos in the first round of the 2025 tournament. Santos` withdrawal due to undisclosed reasons led to Katerina Shakalova stepping in as a replacement, resulting in Velasquez`s fight being moved from the headlining spot to the preliminary card.
Velasquez shared her reaction upon learning of the opponent change: “I knew the moment I hopped off the plane in Orlando. My initial reaction was, `I`m ready. The job was already done in camp.`” She explained that her training focused on short grapplers rather than someone of Santos`s height, suggesting the change to Shakalova wouldn`t drastically affect her preparation mindset. “When a fighter is ready,” she stated, “she`s ready for whoever comes.”
She highlighted the inherent unpredictability of a tournament format: “It`s a short tournament, and it`s one fight after another, so you can`t do specific training for one fighter.” Velasquez emphasized the need for flexibility, citing anti-doping protocols (USADA) and potential injuries as constant factors that necessitate alternates being prepared. “You have to be ready for anything. Anything can happen, including changing the opponent.”
While Velasquez had been monitoring Santos`s online presence and anticipated takedown attempts despite recent boxing footage, she remains prepared for whoever stands across from her. However, she conceded that a victory over Taila Santos would have held greater significance for her record and credibility than a win against Shakalova.
“I think that would give me more credibility,” Velasquez commented regarding a potential fight with Santos. “But I can`t forget everything I`ve done; I`m a former champion.” While she generally prefers not to fight fellow Brazilians, she acknowledged Santos`s standing in the sport: “Taila is a good name, a tough athlete, and it would be nice to fight someone like her right off the bat in the [tournament].” Despite the change, her focus remains sharp: “But a fight is a fight, there`s no other way around it. I don`t underestimate any athlete because any moment of distraction can be fatal.”
Velasquez stated she is prepared for a full three rounds against Shakalova but is actively seeking a quick finish. Assuming no further last-minute alterations, the winner of her bout will advance to the semifinal to face the winner of the fight between Jena Bishop and Kana Watanabe. The opposite side of the bracket features quarterfinal matchups: Liz Carmouche vs. Ilara Joanne and Elora Dana vs. Diana Avsaragova.
Looking ahead in the bracket, Velasquez commented on Liz Carmouche, who defeated her three times between 2022 and 2024: “I believe [Carmouche] will win and advance in the tournament, but she`s fighting a Brazilian and it`s hard for me to say I`m rooting for her.”
She clarified her position on supporting fighters: “I don`t root for anyone, I root for myself, but I always prefer to see Brazilians winning when there`s a Brazilian involved.” Velasquez concluded by expressing her expectation of a potential future rematch with Carmouche: “But I think we`ll still meet again one day.”