An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | July 20, 2023

Oklahoma National Guard Soldier Harnesses Fighting Spirit

By Sgt. Reece Heck, Oklahoma National Guard

TULSA, Okla. –  An Oklahoma Army National Guard member, Spc. Justin Budd harnessed his fighting spirit in an unconventional way. Battling with anger issues throughout his youth, Budd found purpose in Mixed Martial Arts, enabling him to transform his life. 
 
“It saved me, (MMA) 100 percent it saved me,” Budd said. “My family and friends would say it saved me. I’m not saying I was a bad kid, but my inability to control my anger could have put me in an awful place if I didn’t have something like this to keep me centered.” 
 
Having tried various sports like wrestling to manage his emotions, it wasn’t until Budd discovered MMA that he truly found an effective outlet. Budd firmly believes MMA provides an ideal avenue for individuals struggling with anger management or personal challenges. 
 
“When you come in here, you expend a bunch of energy, you get humbled, and you release a bunch of emotions,” Budd said. “It couldn’t get healthier than that, and you’re doing it in a controlled environment with a coach making sure you don’t get hurt.” 
 
In February 2023, Budd made his professional MMA debut at Legacy Fighting Alliance 152 in Shawnee, Oklahoma, where he secured an impressive knockout victory in the first round. With seven years of MMA training, six while serving in the National Guard, Budd established himself as one of the state’s most accomplished fighters. His exceptional amateur record of 10 wins to only two losses earned him the opportunity to turn professional. 
 
For Budd, both MMA and the National Guard offer platforms to aid and protect others. 
 
“I think that fighting for my country, fighting for my state, fighting for myself—it all ties into validating that I can protect myself and others,” he said. “Every time I’ve been out, and I see somebody that needs help, I want to help. I’ve volunteered for almost every SAD (State Active Duty) mission that’s come up.” 
 
Budd joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 2017 as a combat engineer. He is currently a member of the 244th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 245th Airfield Operations Battalion, 90th Troop Command, where he will train as an Aviation Operations Specialist.  
 
Budd actively contributed to various State Active Duty missions, including security operations during the 59th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C., and assisting in preparing and distributing personal protective equipment in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
“Every time there’s been a moment where Oklahoma’s needed us, I go out there, and I volunteer because that’s what I signed up for,” Budd said. “I want to help people. I like helping people.” 
 
While continuing to serve his community through the Oklahoma National Guard, Budd relentlessly pursues personal growth within the realm of MMA. In his determination to set new heights, he’s certainly not afraid of setting lofty goals.  
 
“Right now, my goal is to be in the UFC,” Budd said. “But the ultimate goal is UFC champion.” 
 
By dedicating himself to military service and the pursuit of excellence in MMA, Justin Budd exemplifies strength and determination, demonstrating his commitment to positively impacting the lives of others both inside and outside the cage. 

 

 

Related Articles
Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, chief, National Guard Bureau, joins Gen. Fayyad Al-Ruwaili, chief of general staff, Saudi Arabian Armed Forces; Army Maj. Gen. Thomas Mancino, Oklahoma’s adjutant general; Army Brig. Gen. Lawrence Muennich, Indiana’s adjutant general, and senior enlisted leaders for a ceremony to formalize the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s entry into the 115-nation Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 21, 2025. Under the SPP, Indiana and Oklahoma National Guardsmen will train with Saudi Arabian Armed Forces counterparts to build collective readiness to enhance regional stability and advance global security.
U.S., Saudi Arabia Strengthen Ties Through State Partnership Program
By Master Sgt. Zach Sheely, | Aug. 22, 2025
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expanded its strategic ties with the United States by formally joining the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program, or SPP, during a ceremony...

Staff Sgt. Hannah Bentley, member of the Oklahoma National Guard wildland firefighting program, digs a handline during an operational readiness exercise at Camp Navajo, Arizona, Aug. 14, 2025. The operational readiness exercise tests the OKNG WLFF program members’ ability to activate, deploy and conduct wildland firefighting operations. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Anthony Jones)
Wildfire Response During Training Proves Oklahoma Guard Ready to Fight Fires
By Sgt. Anthony Jones, | Aug. 22, 2025
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Twelve Oklahoma National Guard members training in Arizona proved the Oklahoma National Guard’s wildland firefighting program is ready to respond to wildfires when they were called Aug. 15 to battle a...

A High Mobility Artillery Rocket System operated by members of the Oklahoma Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery Regiment fires a rocket during Exercise Keris Strike, on July 30, 2025.
Oklahoma National Guard Participates in Exercise Keris Strike
By Sgt. Haden Tolbert, | Aug. 6, 2025
LUMUT, Malaysia – Oklahoma National Guard members took part in a historic exercise when they showcased the precision firepower of the U.S. Army High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, for the first time on Malaysian...