One woman who will be keeping a very close eye on this Saturday’s Bellator 238 featherweight title fight between Julia Budd and Cris Cyborg is top-contender, Arlene Blencowe.

The only active featherweight fighter who Arlene Blencowe (left) has lost to is reigning champ, Julia Budd (right).

Blencowe (13-7-0) could very possibly be next in line for the winner of the bout, especially considering she has won seven of her last nine, with the two losses being extremely close decisions to reigning champ, Julia Budd.

Whilst many people may be counting Budd out due to Cyborg’s previous dominance and success at 145-pounds, Blencowe believes fans shouldn’t be so quick to rule Budd out.

“I’m super excited about this match-up for a few reasons. I don’t think you can rule Julia out at all. She’s a super strong and fit fighter who’s gone a long time undefeated. It’s going to be an awesome fight to sit back and watch.” Blencowe tells WMMA Rankings.



“I’m absolutely terrible at picking fights outcomes. My predictions for what will happen during the fight, the ladies will spend some time feeling each other out. Julia will be looking to close the distance and grapple against the cage. Cyborg will be looking to break away and land some big punches. I see it that if Cyborg wins it’ll be via stoppage, if Julia wins it’ll be via decision.” she continued.

Blencowe is coming off an impressive unanimous decision win over UFC veteran, Leslie Smith.

The 36-year-old firmly has her eyes on the winner, but regardless of the outcome, is hoping to someday fight Cris Cyborg.

“I’m all about that title! That’s where my eyes are firmly fixed on. But I also know that the Cyborg fight will happen. I’m a big believer in all things happening for a reason and at a time that they’re meant to. So I’ll sit back and be patient and everything will fall in to place.” she said.

Blencowe, a former WBF and WIBA world boxing champ, hopes to further pursue her boxing ambitions this year and would be open to competing in a trilogy of fights against Cyborg – MMA, Boxing and Kickboxing.

“My goal is to become the Bellator Champion this year. Over the next decade I want to cement my legacy within combat sports. There’s a number of other goals that I’d like to achieve in order for me to gain that. I’d like to further pursue my boxing endeavours. Hoping that Cris Cyborg will be open for that opportunity. The idea of a trilogy of fights with her MMA, boxing and kickboxing within the Bellator/DAZN promotions might make this possible. Just putting some ideas out there in to the universe.” she said

As well as eyeing the featherweight title and the Cris Cyborg fights, Blencowe is also excited by the signing of former UFC bantamweight title challenger, Cat Zingano, and is more than willing to fight her.

Blencowe has finished two of her last three fights by way of knockouts.

“Much like the Cyborg fight, it’s inevitable that I’ll also end up fighting Cat. She’s another veteran who of course I have a lot of respect for.” she said.

2019 was a huge year for Blencowe. The Australian kicked things off with a devastating knockout win over Amanda Bell, before picking up the unanimous decision win over UFC veteran, Leslie Smith.

“2019 was a life changing year and career changing. I feel like it was a turning point and I’m excited to continue building on it this year.” she said.

‘Bellator 238: Budd vs. Cyborg’ takes place this Saturday January 25, 2020, from The Forum in Inglewood, California, United States. The main card will be aired live on DAZN from 10pm EST.

Fight fans, who would you like to see Arlene Blencowe fight next? Would you like to see her challenge the winner of Budd vs. Cyborg for the featherweight title? Let us know in the comments section below.

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