Ilima-Lei Macfarlane is the first Bellator women’s flyweight world champion after submitting Emily Ducote with an armbar in the fifth round of the co-main event of Bellator 186 tonight at Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pa.

Macfarlane improved to 7-0 in her career with her fourth submission victory. She ended the fight in style after winning the first four rounds, using a triangle from the bottom to eventually work the armbar finish at 3 minutes, 42 seconds.

The 2009 Punahou alumna is the fourth mixed martial arts fighter from Hawaii to win a world title in a major organization, joining Hilo’s B.J. Penn and Waianae’s Max Holloway (UFC) and Mililani’s Angela Lee (ONE Championship).

Bellator is the first major organization to recognize a female world champion at 125 pounds.

Macfarlane fought back tears after the belt was placed around her waist following the win.

“There are so many reasons that I wanted to win this,” said Macfarlane, who went on to thank her family, her teammates and the Bellator organization.

Macfarlane had beaten Ducote (6-3) by unanimous decision in their first meeting.