Cris Cyborg will have the opportunity to become Bellator featherweight champion in her first appearance with the promotion.
Cyborg, a former Strikeforce, Invicta FC and UFC champion, will take on Julia Budd for the title in the main event on Saturday, January 25 from The Forum in Los Angeles. The event will stream live on DAZN.
Fighting out of Port Moody, British Columbia, Canada, Budd will enter the Bellator cage in January for the fourth time since claiming the inaugural Bellator women’s featherweight world title in 2017. Currently riding a winning streak of 11 bouts, including seven straight fights since joining forces with Bellator in 2015, “The Jewel” has her eyes set on a fourth consecutive world title defense when she finally has the opportunity to challenge “Cyborg.”
Related: Bellator 224 Results: Julia Budd Successfully Defends Her Title
Bellator Fight Replay: Julia Budd Vs. Olga Rubin
Since knocking off Dutch legend Marloes Coenen for the 145-pound strap at Bellator 174, the Gibson MMA-product has since collected victories over top contenders Olga Rubin, Arlene Blencowe and Talita Nogueira. With seven of her 13 career wins coming by way of knockout or submission, the former kickboxing standout will look to derail the Bellator debut of “Cyborg.”
On the heels of signing the largest contract in women’s MMA history, Cris “Cyborg” will enter the Bellator cage for the first time on January 25, with the opportunity to lay claim to Bellator gold. Just like her upcoming opponent, “Cyborg” too was an inaugural champion, winning the inaugural Strikeforce Featherweight Championship in 2009 after defeating Gina Carano.
Related: Cris Cyborg, Bellator MMA Reach Deal On Multi-Year, Multi-Fight Contract
Behind The Scenes With Cris Cyborg At Bellator 226
The 34-year-old Curitiba, Brazil-native’s Bellator tenure follows a three-year run in UFC, multiple world title and a 20-fight unbeaten streak that includes notable victories against Holly Holm, Tonya Evinger, Marloes Coenen and Leslie Smith.