Ekaterina Shakalova shocks the world with first-round submission to earn semifinal spot

Juliana Velasquez is one of the most experienced fighters competing in this women’s flyweight tournament, having gone from training judo in her native Brazil to winning gold in Bellator. Velasquez defeated Ilima-Lei Macfarlane for the Bellator World Title and defended it against Denise Kielholtz before dropping it to Liz Carmouche, losing all three fights the pair had – including a PFL regular-season bout last year. Velasquez’s other fight in the 2024 season was a win over Lisa Mauldin.

Ekaterina Shakalova has a major opportunity on her hands tonight, going from alternate bout participant to being in the women’s flyweight tournament. A wrestling specialist, Shakalova has won eight of her 10 career fights so far, including five wins via finish. Shakalova was on a seven-fight win streak before a loss to Aspen Ladd at the Bellator Champions Series event in Paris last May.

Which of these two will be the next to move on in the women’s 125-pound tournament?

Round 1

Shakalova blitzes forward, but Velasquez backs up. Right hand by Shakalova. Left hand misses by Shakalova. Shakalova goes for a single-leg takedown. She gets it, and Shakalova quickly gets the back. Choke, and it looks tight already, even without hooks! Body triangle is in! Velasquez may be in trouble here?! Shakalova riding high as Velasquez tries to get out. Shakalova continues to try and work the hooks. The choke looks tight. VELASQUEZ TAPS!

💣 BRACKET. BUSTED. 💣
🇺🇦 Ekaterina Shakalova just stunned the world#PFLWorldTournament LIVE NOW
🇺🇸 ESPN+
🌎 https://t.co/jPNvomCxHI pic.twitter.com/lmv5eLeMMZ

— PFL (@PFLMMA) April 12, 2025

WHAT AN UPSET! Ekaterina Shakalova needs just a couple of minutes to finish a former world champion and earn a semifinal spot!

OFFICIAL RESULT

Ekaterina Shakalova defeats Juliana Velasquez by 1st round submission (rear-naked choke, 2:05), advancing to the Semifinals in the Women’s Flyweight Bracket. She’ll face Jena Bishop in the Semifinals.