Bellator has announced that it is re-establishing its women’s division and announced the signing of Marloes Coenen and Julia Budd.
Via Bellator press release:
Bellator MMA has reestablished the women’s division with two of MMA’s top featherweights leading the forefront. Finding previous success in the female MMA game, Bellator President Scott Coker has added Marloes Coenen and Julia Budd to the roster to start the next era of the Bellator women’s division.
“We’re incredibly excited to bring in two of the best athletes competing in our sport today,” Bellator President Scott Coker said. “We are making a commitment to bring back the female division to Bellator, and feature some of the world’s best in the Bellator cage.”
A former Strikeforce Bantamweight Champion and Remix World Cup Champion, Coenen has recorded a 21-6 professional record with 15 wins coming by submission and 12 in the first round. Ranked as the number two featherweight in the world, Coenen is ready to get back in the cage and put on an explosive performance for the fans in the first female fight under Coker’s reign.
Budd joins Bellator riding a four-fight win streak and is currently ranked as the number three featherweight in the world. Having previously fought for Strikeforce and Invicta, the Canadian striker is known for her strong Muay Thai background and is looking for a strong finish in her return to the bright lights.
Payout Perspective:
Gina Carano benefits the most from this announcement as now she has some bargaining leverage with Zuffa. There were rumors that she had signed with Bellator but there has not been any official confirmation. The addition of Coenen and Budd is a start and reflects another big move by Scott Coker. With the apparent re-opening of women’s MMA in Bellator, we will see how the company will utilize its women fighters.
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