Julia Budd Defeats Marloes Coenen to Become Bellator Women’s Inaugural Featherweight Champion

(Photo Courtesy of Bellator)

Bellator 174 took place Friday, March 3 at Winstar World Casino in Thackerville, Okla. The main card aired on Spike TV.

Headlining the event was former Strikeforce champion, Marloes Coenen, facing Julia Budd for the inaugural women’s featherweight title. It was, however, to be Julia Budd’s night after stopping Coenen in the fourth round to become the new featherweight champion.

Coenen then took the time to thank Scott Coker and Bellator before announcing her retirement from the sport:

“I have dreamt about this moment forever. When I was 21 and first started kickboxing, I dreamt about being a champion, and I didn’t make it, I lost.” Budd said. “So, this is my dream come true. The moment I signed with Bellator, I saw all the champions up there on the banners, and I said to myself that I want to be up there with them some day. Now it feels like everything has come together.”

“There’s only one message that I want to give out to all the fighters out there, and that is, please listen to your body. I am very proud of all the women in MMA, and I am very grateful for Bellator,” Coenen said. “This company picked me up when I was in a dark place, and Scott Coker has given me so many opportunities throughout my career. Bellator MMA will always be my home.”