MMA News: Ex-Bellator Women’s Featherweight Champ Makes PFL Debut Against Fellow Veteran

At the PFL World Championship 2021 Press Conference back in September, it was announced that women’s mixed martial arts icon Julia Budd would be joining the promotion to take part in the 2022 women’s lightweight tournament.

Fortunately, fans won’t have to wait until next season to see Budd in action as she will be officially making her promotional debut at the PFL World Championship 2021 on Wednesday, October 27th at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

Widely considered as one of the best women’s fighters in the world, Budd (15-3) brings over a decade of top-flight experience into the cage.

A veteran of promotions such as Strikeforce, Invicta FC, and Bellator, Budd has faced some of the best in the world, including the likes of two-division UFC champion Amanda Nunes, Ronda Rousey and Cris Cyborg.

Moreover, she holds wins over the likes of former world champions in Germaine de Randamie and Marloes Coenen.

Budd herself is no stranger to championship gold as she held the inaugural Bellator women’s featherweight championship from 2017 to 2020, with three successful title defenses.

In addition, she comes into PFL winning 13 of her last 14 bouts.

Welcoming Budd into the PFL cage will be fellow women’s MMA veteran Kaitlyn Young (12-11), who has also seen action under the biggest promotions in the world.

Young competed in the 2021 PFL women’s lightweight tournament, falling just short of a spot in the postseason.

Armed with a wealth of experience herself, Young has shared the stage with several big names in the sport including Miesha Tate and Gina Carano, as well as Liz Carmouche, Lauren Murphy and Leslie Smith.

No doubt, this would be an exciting welcome for Budd as she gets ready to compete in the 2022 PFL season.