For one night at least, Julia Budd’s name stood alongside UFC featherweight star Cris Cyborg.
The two were nominated in the category of “Female Fighter of the Year” at the most recent World MMA Awards, and while UFC strawweight champion Rose Namajunas would take the trophy home, it had to be considered an achievement for Budd to be on the same ballot as Cyborg, given that the indomitable Brazilian is considered to be in a class of her own at 145 pounds.
This was no sympathy nod. Budd has quietly staked her own claim to the crown of world’s best featherweight, winning her last nine fights including a vacant 145-pound title bout against highly respected veteran Marloes Coenen and a successful defense against Arlene Blencowe at Bellator 189 last December.