Liz Carmouche became a champion for the first time in her professional career by finishing Juliana Velazquez at Bellator 278 this past Friday night. But ‘Girl-Rilla’ saw her crowning moment overshadowed after fans and pundits called into question the controversial refereeing of one Mike Beltran that led to her win.
Carmouche dethroned Velazquez via fourth-round technical knockout after securing a takedown and advancing to a top crucifix position, where she trapped her opponent and rained down elbows until Beltran moved in to stop the fight. The stoppage was protested by Velazquez, who was left stunned in the immediate aftermath of losing the championship in that manner.