New Bellator women's flyweight champ Ilima Macfarlane in no rush to return

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – If you’re expecting new Bellator women’s flyweight champion Ilima Macfarlane to be back in there right away, think twice.

After her fifth-round submission win over Emily Ducote (6-3 MMA, 4-2 BMMA) on Friday in the Bellator 186 co-main event, Macfarlane (7-0 MMA, 6-0 BMMA) is more than happy to take some time off, she said.

“People are asking me, ‘Oh, are ou going to fight on the L.A. card at The Forum?’ Macfarlane said after the fight. “I’m like, ‘No way!’ I’m going to relish in this for as long as I can. I’m going to hang out as the champion – I don’t have any need to fight immediately and defend the belt. I’m good. I can fight in six months.”

Bellator 186 took place Friday at Bryce Jordan Center on Penn State’s campus in University Park, Pa. The main card aired on Spike following prelims on MMAjunkie.

Macfarlane came into her post-event meeting with the media with a hitch in her giddy-up, which she said was courtesy of Ducote’s consistent kicks to hea lead leg. That’s even more reason for her to take a break, she said.

For more from Macfarlane, check out the video above.

And for complete coverage of Bellator 186, check out the MMA Events section of the site.