Bellator champ Budd believes she has recipe to beat Cyborg
Bellator women's featherweight champion Julia Budd wants to give newly signed Cris Cyborg a rude awakening after joining the promotion.
"I think it's a perfect (matchup)," Budd told theScore. "I think my wrestling, my striking. I think the way I fight, my footwork. I think I have the recipe (to defeat her). I’ve said this before. I know I can beat her. It will be huge for my legacy and I can’t wait to get in there and do it."
Budd (13-2) is riding an 11-fight win streak, including seven straight victories under the Bellator MMA banner. The Port Moody, British Columbia native last competed at Bellator 224 in July when she finished Olga Rubin in the first round.
Cyborg (21-2) defeated Felicia Spencer by unanimous decision in July at UFC 240. In December, Amanda Nunes knocked out the 34-year-old at UFC 232 in the first round. Cyborg went 6-1 in the Octagon, with only one of those clashes going the distance.
Budd believes this potential title fight could be the biggest bout in Bellator history if it's promoted properly.
"It just depends on how they want to do it and how they decide to promote it. I feel like (Bellator) could do a better job of promoting their 145-pound champion right now. I’ve been the champ for three years and you know? I’m ready to show why I’m the champion. And I’m ready to do that against anybody that they put in there."
Watch the full interview with Budd below and subscribe to theScoreMMA Youtube channel here.