The PFL experienced significant disruptions leading up to its April 11 event in Orlando, with the main event of the 2025 season`s second card undergoing changes twice. Juliana Velasquez was among the competitors affected by these late adjustments to the fight lineup.
The former Bellator flyweight champion was initially slated to headline the card, facing Taila Santos in the opening round of the 2025 PFL tournament. However, following Santos`s withdrawal, Velasquez was moved to the preliminary portion of the event, with Katerina Shakalova stepping in as the replacement opponent.
“I learned about the change the moment I got off the plane in Orlando,” Velasquez stated. “My immediate reaction was, `I`m ready. My work in training camp is complete.` I hadn`t trained with anyone as tall as Taila; my preparation mainly involved working with shorter grapplers, so the change shouldn`t significantly affect me. When a fighter is truly prepared, they are ready for whoever steps across the cage.”
Velasquez added that the nature of a fast-paced tournament with sequential fights makes highly specific training for a single opponent challenging. She also highlighted the presence of anti-doping testing protocols (USADA) and the potential for injuries, necessitating alternate fighters being on standby. Thus, athletes must maintain readiness for any scenario, including an opponent change.
Velasquez had been observing Santos`s activity online and, despite seeing boxing footage, anticipated the former UFC title challenger would focus on takedowns in their planned bout. While confident in her ability to face Katerina Shakalova, Velasquez acknowledged that securing a victory over Taila Santos would have carried more weight for her record than defeating the replacement.
“I believe a win against Taila would have boosted my credibility further, but I also recognize everything I`ve already accomplished,” Velasquez commented. “I am a former champion. I`ve always said I prefer not to fight fellow Brazilians, and I never have, but Taila is a well-known name, a tough athlete, and it would have been beneficial to face someone of her caliber right at the start of the tournament. Nevertheless, a fight remains a fight, and there`s no escaping that reality. I never underestimate any opponent because a single moment of lost focus can be decisive.”
Velasquez expressed her readiness for a three-round contest against Shakalova but indicated her preference for securing a quick finish. Assuming no further last-minute alterations, the winner of this bout will advance to the semifinals to face the victor of the match between Jena Bishop and Kana Watanabe. The other side of the tournament bracket features quarterfinal pairings of Liz Carmouche vs. Ilara Joanne and Elora Dana vs. Diana Avsaragova.
Regarding the other side of the bracket, Velasquez believes Liz Carmouche will likely win and advance. However, she found it challenging to openly root for Carmouche, given that she is facing a Brazilian opponent and Velasquez herself suffered three consecutive losses to Carmouche between 2022 and 2024, a series she hopes one day to avenge.
“I don`t root for specific individuals; I root for myself,” Velasquez clarified, “but I do tend to prefer seeing Brazilian fighters emerge victorious when they are involved. Still, I believe a future encounter between myself and Carmouche is a strong possibility.”
Oliver Croft