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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Simon Head

3 burning questions heading into Bellator 254

The Bellator women’s flyweight title is up for grabs as two undefeated fighters put their records on the line in the main event of Bellator 254.

Reigning champion Ilima-Lei Macfarlane will look to defend her 125-pound title against unbeaten Brazilian challenger Juliana Velasquez in the night’s headliner at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. as the Hawaiian champ looks to successfully register her fifth straight defense of the belt.

The co-main features the Bellator debut of Russian bantamweight – and the only man to defeat UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan – Magomed Magomedov. The main card will also feature a heavyweight bout between Brazilian veteran Ronny Markes and former light heavyweight title challenger, England’s Linton Vassell.

Bellator 254 takes place Thursday at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The main card airs on CBS Sports Network following prelims on MMA Junkie.

Here are three burning questions ahead of fight night.

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