Julia “The Jewel” Budd, a Muay Thai kickboxer from British Columbia is not only making her Strikeforce debut on tonight’s Strikeforce: Challengers 11. She is also competing in her first official MMA fight.
Budd will be facing Shana “Rock Solid” Olsen, who currently has a fight record of four wins and no losses. This will also be Olsen’s debut in Strikeforce.
The Jewel’s background and credentials
Budd was born and raised in Roberts Creek, a small town outside of British Columbia, according to her website. She competed in sports as a youth and in high school she began training in Muay Thai kickboxing.
Budd trained at Gibson MMA under the tutelage of Lance Gibson, a former UFC fighter. She became known on the American kickboxing circuit after defeating opponents like MMA fighter Gina Carano and kickboxing champion Keri Scarr.
Although she has no official bouts on her fight record, Budd has fought in one non sanctioned fight back in 2007, according to mixedmaritalarts.com. She defeated fellow kick boxer Natalie Fuzz by unanimous decision.
Shana “Rock Solid” Olsen
Olsen, said that fighting for a major promotion like Strikeforce has been along time coming.
“I have a strong desire to make it to the top, and right now I am in the process of working my way up.’’
At the weight in, Olsen also said that she has trained hard and is not putting pressure on herself to beat Budd in fashion.
“I am fighting a Muay Thai champion who defeated Gina Carano, so my work is cut out for me,” Olsen said.
“I am fighting someone who’s strong and knows what she’s doing, but I’m also strong, fit and ready to go,” Budd said at the weight in.
Outside of the ring
In addition to boxing, Budd works as a fitness model on television and print. She has appeared on MTV, TSN, and print advertisements for Impact Magazine.
Budd also holds a B.A. in kinesiology from the University of British Columbia. She is also a National Strength and Conditioning Association certified trainer, and operates her own training company out of Gibson MMA.
Budd said she takes her MMA career one fight at a time and works to be the best.
“There is no doubt I am stepping up for this one and will be the underdog,” Budd said. “I love MMA, putting in the work, the lifestyle and the challenge.’’
Resides: B.C.Canada
Association: Gibson MMA
MMA fight record: 0-0-0
Career highlights: B.C. Muay Thai champion, Canadian Muay Thai champion
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