Sherdog.com confirmed the booking with promotion officials following an initial report from MMAjunkie.com. Bellator 278 takes place at the Neil S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii. The event is will be free to attend for military veterans and first responders.
The 35-year-old Velasquez is undefeated in 12 professional outings. She captured the 125-pound strap with a five-round verdict against Ilima-Lei Macfarlane at Bellator 254 before notching her first successful defense in a split-decision triumph over Denise Kielholtz at Bellator 262.
Carmouche is no stranger to title fights. In her final Octagon appearance before signing with the California-based promotion, “Girl-Rilla” dropped a five-round verdict to Valentina Shevchenko in a 125-pound championship clash at UFC Fight Night 156 in August 2019. She also helped usher in the women’s era in the organization when she fell to Ronda Rousey in a bantamweight title tilt at UFC 157 in February 2013. She is 3-0 thus far in her Bellator tenure.