Alejandra Lara (born 4 August 1994) is a Colombian female mixed martial artist who competes in the Flyweight division. She had previously most notably competed in Bellator MMA, where she was a title contender.[1] She is also known by the nickname "Azul" (which translates to "Azure" from Spanish).[2]
Genesis and Athletic Inception
In the heart of Colombia, Medellín, on the 4th of August, 1994, Lara first graced the world. Alejandra's early years were marked by the diagnosis of "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)," rendering sustained concentration a herculean task for her.
In a bid to channel her fervor, Lara immersed herself in a tapestry of pursuits. Beyond the realm of sports, Alehandra's passions meandered through vocal harmonics, theatrical enactments, the serenity of yoga, and the rhythmic allure of diverse dances, pole dancing being one of them.
Among her eclectic ventures, she delved into aquatic adventures, embraced the depths of the ocean, and reveled in the Colombian penchant for roller skating.
Yet, a pivotal metamorphosis unfurled when Lara's path converged with karate and wushu-sanda disciplines. In that juncture, she pledged her allegiance to the art of combat.[3]
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Lara made her MMA debut on 10 December 2011 on Extreme Combat MMA Senshi Ki 1 against Monica Leon, winning the fight in round one via retirement.[4] Before joining Bellator MMA, she amassed a record of 6 wins against 1 loss.
Bellator MMA
Lara debuted at Bellator 190 on December 9, 2017. She defeated Lena Ovchynnikova via a rear-naked choke submission in the third round. Bellator announced in February 2018 that they extended her contract with the promotion.[5]
In her third fight for the promotion, Lara faced undefeated Brazilian prospect Juliana Velasquez at Bellator 212 on December 14, 2018. She lost the fight via split decision.[7]
Lara next fought Taylor Turner at Bellator 225 on August 24, 2019. She won the fight by TKO in the first round.[8] Ahead of the fight, she used her appearance at the ceremonial weigh-in to draw attention to the plight of the Amazon's rain forests.[9]
Lara then faced Veta Arteaga at Bellator 235 on December 20, 2019. She won the fight via unanimous decision and subsequently signed a new, six-fight contract with the promotion.[10]
Lara was expected to face DeAnna Bennett on July 31, 2021 at Bellator 263.[13] The bout was rescheduled for unknown reasons to take place on August 20, 2021 at Bellator 265.[14] On August 13, it was announced that the bout was moved once again, this time to Bellator 266.[15] At the weigh-ins, DeAnna Bennett missed weight for her bout. Bennett weighed in at 129.2 pounds, 3.2 pounds over the flyweight non-title fight limit. The bout proceeded at catchweight and Bennett was fined a percentage of her purse which went to Lara.[16] Lara lost the bout in dominant fashion via unanimous decision.[17]
Lara faced Ilara Joanne at Bellator 282 on June 24, 2022.[18] She lost the bout via unanimous decision.[19]
Lara faced Diana Avsaragova on February 4, 2023, at Bellator 290.[20] At the weigh-ins, Avsaragova missed weight for her bout, coming in at 128.8 pounds, 2.8 pounds over the flyweight non-title fight limit. The bout proceeded at catchweight and Avsaragova was fined 25% of her purse which went to Lara.[21] Lara lost the close bout via split decision.[22] 5 out of 7 media scores gave it to Lara.[23]
On January 23, 2024, it was announced that she was released from the promotion.[24]
Post Bellator
In her first bout after leaving Bellator, Lara faced Gisele Luna in the main event of Combate Global: Lara vs. Luna on May 11, 2024, winning the bout via ground and pound TKO in the first round, bloodying her opponent in the process.[25]
