Ilima Macfarlane vs. Jessica Middleton co-headlines Bellator 178 on April 21

Next month’s Bellator 178 fight card will feature a women’s flyweight matchup between Ilima Macfarlane and Jessica Middleton as the co-main event.

Bellator officials today announced the 125-pound bout between Macfarlane (5-0 MMA, 4-0 BMMA) and Middleton (2-0 MMA, 2-0 BMMA).

Bellator 178 takes place April 21 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The main card airs on Spike following prelims streamed on MMAjunkie.

Macfarlane has spent almost the entirety of her career under the Bellator banner. She earned a 10-second knockout in her first professional fight, then was signed to the organization, where she has put together four consecutive wins.

“The Ilimanator” is considered by most to be a candidate to compete for Bellator’s inaugural women’s flyweight title if and when its introduced, but first she will have to get through at least one more opponent.

Middleton will have the chance to snap Macfarlane’s undefeated streak and add to her own when she gets the notable contest less than nine months after her pro debut. The 28-year-old has earned both of her career wins in Bellator competition, with the most recent being a unanimous decision over Alice Yauger at Bellator 171 in January.

For more on Bellator 178, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.

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