Ilima-Lei Macfarlane

Macfarlane began her amateur MMA career in 2014. She fought five times during that year, mainly with Xplode Fight Series, and went undefeated as an amateur.

Macfarlane's first professional fight was an unsanctioned match against Katie Castro for Xplode Fight Series in 2015. Macfarlane won via technical knockout ten seconds into the bout. In the aftermath of the lopsided affair, the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) launched an investigation into the organization's unsanctioned MMA events. Castro had a 0–2 record before fighting Macfarlane and footage of the match was posted on the internet and labeled "Soccer mom loses to MMA fighter". The video went viral, garnering over a million views on YouTube and was discussed on a few television news networks.[6]

Following the bout with Castro, Macfarlane signed a three-fight contract with Bellator MMA.[7][1] She made her debut in August 2015 at Bellator 141 where she defeated Maria Rios by split decision.

Macfarlane fought Amber Tackett at Bellator 148 where Macfarlane won by armbar submission in the first round.[8]

Macfarlane's next bout was against Rebecca Ruth at Bellator 157 where she won by standing rear-naked choke in the second round.[9]

Macfarlane would then fight Emily Ducote at Bellator 167 where she was victorious via unanimous decision.[10]

Macfarlane faced Jessica Middleton at Bellator 178 and won by armbar submission in the first round.[11]

Macfarlane and Emily Ducote had a rematch at Bellator 186 for the inaugural Bellator Women's Flyweight World Championship. Macfarlane won the bout with an armbar variation in the fifth round to win her first MMA championship.[12]

Macfarlane faced Alejandra Lara at Bellator 201 for the first defense of her flyweight title. Macfarlane won the fight in the third round via armbar.[13]

Macfarlane faced Valérie Létourneau at Bellator 213 in Macfarlane's hometown of Honolulu, Hawaii. Macfarlane successfully defended her title for a second time, defeating Létourneau by third round submission.[14]

In her third title defense, Macfarlane faced Veta Arteaga at Bellator 220 on April 27, 2019.[15] She won the fight via TKO due to a doctor's stoppage in the third round.[16]

Macfarlane made her fourth title defense against Kate Jackson at Bellator 236 on December 21, 2019.[17] Macfarlane was victorious via unanimous decision.[18]

On February 10, 2020, it was announced that Macfarlane had signed a ten-fight, five-year extension contract with Bellator.[19][20]

Macfarlane attempted her next defense against undefeated challenger Juliana Velasquez on December 10, 2020, at Bellator 254.[21] She lost the fight and her title via unanimous decision.[22]

After more than a year off due to knee surgery and rehab,[23] Macfarlane made her return against Justine Kish on April 23, 2022, at Bellator 279.[24] In an upset, she lost the bout via unanimous decision.[25]

Macfarlane faced Bruna Ellen at Bellator 284 on August 12, 2022.[26] At weigh ins, Macfarlane was three pounds over the division non-title fight limit at 129 lbs, resulting in her being a fined a percentage of her purse which went to Ellen and the bout proceeded at catchweight.[27] She won the bout via unanimous decision.[28]

Macfarlane faced Kana Watanabe on April 22, 2023, at Bellator 295.[29] She won the close bout via split decision.[30]

• Eddie Bravo Invitational
  • Combat Jiu-Jitsu Women's Flyweight Championship (One time, inaugural)[31]

• Bellator MMA
  • Bellator Women's Flyweight World Championship (One time, inaugural)
    • Four successful title defenses
  • Second most submission wins in Bellator history (6) - tied with Michael Chandler and Neiman Gracie
  • Most wins in Bellator amongst women (10)[32]
  • Most stoppage wins in Bellator amongst women (7)[33]
  • Most wins in Bellator Flyweight division history (10)[32]
  • Most fights in Bellator Flyweight division history (10)[33]
• MMAjunkie.com
  • 2018 Breakthrough Fighter of the Year[34]