Julia Budd not intimidated by Cris Cyborg, ready for Bellator 238 spotlight

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — We’re not in Thackerville anymore, Toto.

No offense to the good people of Oklahoma, but Julia Budd has not only been dominant as Bellator featherweight champion over the past three years, but she’s seemed to also be the champion of Bellator’s B-town circuit, with her past four fights (and five of six overall) going down at the WinStar Resort and Casino.

Now, though, Budd (13-2 MMA, 7-0 BMMA) has made it to the bright lights and the big city. The Canadian headlines Bellator 238 at a legendary venue – The Forum in Inglewood, Calif. – on Saturday, taking on a legendary opponent – Cris Cyborg – for her 145-pound belt in the DAZN-streamed contest.

On Thursday, Budd was in another legendary spot, the Paramount Studios lot in Hollywood for Bellator 238 media day. And as far as she’s concerned, this week has been a matter of her time finally coming.

“I like Thackerville too, it became like a second home,” Budd told MMA Junkie. “But this week has been amazing. I feel like, it’s second best to fighting at home in British Columbia.”

Of course, while Budd holds the gold, and her name is first on the marquee, the hype has treated her like the B-side as she takes on a fighter many consider the best women’s fighter of all-time in Cyborg (21-2 MMA, 0-0 BMMA). The champ said this has served as motivation to make this significant moment her coming out party.

“Huge motivation,” she said. “Everything has been motivation in this camp. I just used it for fuel. Whether it’s people believing in me, people doubting me, whatever it is. It’s fuel, fuel, fuel, and I can’t wait to go out and give the performance of my life on Saturday.”

Though Cyborg took a one-sided win over Felicia Spencer in her last UFC fight, people still seem fixated on her bout prior to that, a knockout loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 232 in December 2018, which ended a win streak dating back to 2005.

For her part, Budd said she expects to face the Cyborg who racked up 20 consecutive victories, not the one who succumbed to a rare defeat against Nunes.

“I prepared for the very best Cris Cyborg,” Budd said. “Yeah, she might have lost. I know how hungry I might have been after a loss, and wanting to get out there and show the world that I wasn’t going to stay down, that I could get better from that. So, I just want to prepare myself for the very best Cris Cyborg. That’s it.

“I’m not Amanda Nunes. I’m Julia Budd. I’m going to get there.”