Denise Kielholtz Says She Has the Best Stand-Up Game in Bellator Women’s Flyweight Division

Denise Kielholtz spoke with MMAjunkie ahead of her fight with Veta Arteaga at Bellator 205. Highlilghts are below:

Kielholtz (2-1 MMA, 2-1 BMMA) may be a stand-up specialist, but she said her judo background makes the ground game her “secret weapon.” The well-roundedness in her game is overlooked by most in her opinion, but that only makes her more confident as she attempts to surge toward another belt.

On moving from kickboxing to MMA: “It’s not like I quit from kickboxing because I still have my world title from Bellator for kickboxing. For now I just have new focus and new goal and that’s the MMA title. Now I concentrate on this goal and I can’t say I stopped with kickboxing and my title is anywhere. It’s still here.”

On her striking game: “I know that my stand-up game there’s nobody in this division that’s better in stand-up game that I am. That’s all that matters. If she thinks she can go with me stand-up, if she can go on the ground, also no problem. My stand-up game for sure is the best.”

On a possible title shot if she wins: “It all depends on Bellator. If they think I’m ready for the title shot, I am ready. If they think after this win for me, another opponent in this division is also good for me.”