Ilima-Lei Macfarlane is back in the win column. It is for the first time since 2019 for her. At Bellator 284, Macfarlane defeated Bruna Ellen via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) in a women’s flyweight bout. The fight took place at Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D.
The bout was competitive, technical, and calculated with both women having their moments. The fight began with some striking before Macfarlane went to her bread-and-butter grappling. She scored a takedown as the clock wound down. In Round 2, Macfarlane tried for another, with less success.
Round 3 was perhaps Ellen’s best round, as she threatened a guillotine choke for a long period of time. Her grip was tight and, as we came to learn, was catalyzed by Macfarlane’s fear of losing her fight shorts. In her post-fight interview, Macfarlane told “Big” John McCarthy she was not wearing any underwear and feared her shorts were going to come off during the sequence.
Ilima-Lei Macfarlane out-muscles Bruna Ellen, taking her to the ground as round 1️⃣ comes to a close 💪
Catch the final two rounds LIVE on @Showtime #Bellator284 | @BellatorMMA pic.twitter.com/FYx6jhBnHX
— SHOWTIME SPORTS (@SHOsports) August 13, 2022
In the eyes of the judges, she did enough to win. Originally read as a split decision, promotion officials later clarified it was unanimous.
After the fight, Mcfarlane got emotional in the cage and explained how this fight rejuvenated her.
Bellator 284 results:
lima-Lei Macfarlane def. Bruna Ellen via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Gokhan Saricam def. Said Sowma via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Aaron Jeffery def. Austin Vanderford via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 1:25
Marcos Breno def. Josh Hill via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
DeAnna Bennett def. Justine Kish via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Sullivan Cauley def. Tyson Jeffries via knockout (knee) – Round 1, 1:39
Pat Downey def. Keyes Nelson via submission (arm triangle choke) – Round 1, 0:36
Bailey Schoenfelder def. Mark Currier via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 2:35
Mitchell McKee def. Tony Ortega via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 1:28
