Kana Watanabe will be in action at Bellator 255 next month. The Japanese flyweight has been booked to face Alejandra Lara in Connecticut on April 2nd.
Watanabe (9-0-1) is a Rizin and Deep Jewels veteran. She is coming off a third round stoppage win over Ilara Joanne at Bellator Japan but did not get to compete at all in 2020.
Lara (9-3) is coming off back to back Bellator wins. She has challenged unsuccessfully for the flyweight title on one occasion and represents a tough test for the Japanese fighter, who has signed an exclusive contract with the promotion.
The event will be headlined by a featherweight title fight between champion Patricio Freire (31-4) and challenger Emmanuel Sanchez (20-4). The Brazilian will be making the sixth defence of his belt.
This will be Sanchez’s second shot at Freire’s belt, he was beaten by the Brazilian in 2019. It will also serve as the semi final of the Bellator featherweight Grand Prix according to ESPN.
Also on the card is bantamweight prospect Justin Scoggins (10-1). He faces Magomed Magomedov (17-1) in a bantamweight bout at the Mohegan Sun Arena.
Bellator 255, Connecticut, April 2nd
Patricio Freire (c) vs. Emmanuel Sanchez (For featherweight title)
Jared Scoggins vs. Magomed Magomedov (Bantamweight)
Matt Mitrione vs. Tyrell Fortune (Heavyweight)
Kana Watanabe vs. Alejandra Lara (Flyweight)
