9. Cristiane Justino vs. Julia Budd
A whirlwind of violence and ferocity, Justino has been a dominant force in women’s MMA for years, her talents carrying her to titles in Strikeforce, Invicta Fighting Championships and now the UFC. The 32-year-old Brazilian muay Thai machine has not lost a fight since she submitted to an Erica Paes kneebar in her pro debut more than 12 years ago. Shayna Baszler, Gina Carano, Charmaine Tweet, Leslie Smith and Marloes Coenen (twice) have all been victimized by “Cyborg.” She has delivered 16 of her 18 career victories by knockout or technical knockout. Budd, meanwhile, has established herself as the woman to beat at 145 pounds in Bellator. The Canadian kickboxer has rattled off eight consecutive wins since she submitted to a Ronda Rousey armbar in November 2011, her extended run of success bringing with it the Bellator women’s featherweight championship.
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