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Shana Olsen (left) & Julia Bidd (Right) Courtesy Ester Lin/Strikeforce

Two contenders collide Friday night on Showtime as #6 ranked Shana Olsen and debuting Julia Budd hope to take the next step towards winning the Strikeforce 145 pound title.

At the weigh-ins, Budd tipped the scales at 145.8 pounds with Olsen the lighter fighter at 143.4.

Shana Olsen

“I’ve trained hard and my goal is to win. I don’t put pressure on myself to win impressively. I am fighting a Muay Thai champion who defeated Gina Carano, so my work is cut out for me."

“But this is a sport and a time and place in my life where I belong. I have a strong desire to make it to the top, and right now I am in the process of working my way up.’’

Shana Olsen Video Interview courtesy WMMA Round-up

Julia Budd

“I am fighting someone who’s strong and knows what she’s doing, but I’m also strong, fit and ready to go."

“I take it one fight at a time and I work to be the best so I can fight the best, but there is no doubt I am stepping up for this one and will be the underdog."

“I love MMA, putting in the work, the lifestyle and the challenge.’’

 

Julia Budd Video Interview courtesy WMMA Round-up

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• Martial Arts/Combat
• MMA

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