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Budd set for Bellator debut

MMA

The “Jewel” is ready to shine in Bellator MMA.

Sechelt’s Julia “the Jewel” Budd has her debut fight with Bellator MMA next Friday night, Feb. 13 when she faces Gabrielle Holloway from Rhoadesville, Virginia at the Bellator 133 fight card from the Save Mart Centre in Fresno, Calif. The card will air live on Spike TV starting at 6 p.m.

Budd, who is training full time in Port Moody, signed a three-fight deal with Bellator last August after a successful four-fight contract with Invicta FC.

“Bellator got in touch with us and we were very impressed with their vision for my weight class and the women’s division,” Budd said. “It was the right time to make this move in my career, plus Bellator made the commitment to sign the best competitors in my division. I’m excited for next Friday and to make my debut with them.”

Budd was originally scheduled to fight Talita Nogueira, but Nogueira was injured in training and Holloway was selected as her replacement just this week.

Budd said the last minute change in her opponent doesn’t change her preparation or her game plans.

“It’s kind of the name of the game. Injuries happen and other fighters step up — that’s the fight game,” she said. “At the end of the day, I’m prepared to take on anyone. This doesn’t stop the momentum or my preparation. Bottom line, I really don’t care who it is, I just want to get in there.”

Budd said her training camp has been amazing in Port Moody and she is very confident and excited about the fight.

“Making my debut with such a great organization and on Spike TV — I can’t wait,” she said.

Also on the main card is the middleweight main event between Melvin Manhoef and Alexander Shlemenko, a featherweight fight featuring Pat Curran and Daniel Weichel, and a welterweight battle between Chris Honeycutt and Clayton MacFarlane. The preliminary card starts at 5 p.m., streaming live on spike.com.

Bellator was founded in 2008 and is one of the world’s largest mixed martial arts promotions. Bellator, headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif., currently airs in more than 140 countries around the world, including Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, U.K., France, Russia and several African nations.

Bellator airs live on Spike TV and made its Spike debut in January of 2013.