Diana Avsaragova is close to locking in her second Bellator assignment.
A rising Russian flyweight, Avsaragova (3-0 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) will take on Gabriella Gulfin on July 16 at Bellator 262. A person with knowledge of the situation told MMA Junkie on Wednesday that agreements are in place after a report from TASS.
Avsaragova, 22, made a statement in her promotional debut in April when she separated Tara Graff from her consciousness with a violent 29-second knockout on the Bellator 256 prelims.
The knockout was the first of her career, which was added to one submission and one decision victory that were already on her resume. Coming from a wrestling background, Avsaragova has worked to round out her wrestling with UFC flyweight Liana Jojua.
“I was on the Russian team (in) wrestling,” Avsaragova told MMA Junkie ahead of her debut. “I’m a good freestyle wrestler. I have good skills in wrestling, and I want more wrestling in my fights. … I’m a wrestler, but I can work in striking. I’m not only a wrestler, but I can fight in striking. I can (surprise).”
It's safe to say that Diana Avsaragova has had one of the most impressive Bellator debuts thus far in 2021! 👊 🇷🇺 pic.twitter.com/fw78auWwxb
— Bellator Europe (@Bellator_Europe) May 27, 2021
“GDaddy” Gulfin (2-2 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) will make her promotional debut after stops in CFFC and Ring of Combat. After a 5-1 amateur career, Gulfin went 2-0 to kick off her pro tenure. However, she lost back-to-back fights thereafter, both of which came inside the first round.
With the addition, the Bellator 262 lineup includes:
- Champ Juliana Velasquez vs. Denise Kielholtz
- Tyrell Fortune vs. Matt Mitrione
- Marcelo Golm vs. Linton Vassell
- Arlene Blencowe vs. Dayana Silva
- Ronny Markes vs. Said Sowma
- Adil Benjilany vs. Johnny Soto
- Diana Avsaragova vs. Gabriella Gulfin
