Strikeforce recently released a short promo for the next women’s bantamweight title fight. The contest will feature champion Ronda Rousey making her first title defense since defeating Miesha Tate. Attempting to take her belt will be former Strikeforce champion Sarah Kaufman.
Rousey has become the face of MMA prior to challenging Tate for the belt and with Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos’ drug suspension. A colorful character who looks as good as she fights, Rousey seemingly became an overnight sensation in the MMA world.
An Olympic bronze medalist in judo, Rousey used her grappling skills to toss and throw her opponents to the mat where she slapped on an armbar submission. All of her wins have come by way of armbar which has become her trademark move.
Kaufman ran her professional record to 12-0 before dropping the title to Marloes Coenen. Included in those fights were wins over Shayna Baszler, Miesha Tate and an impressive KO slam against Roxanne Modafferi.
After initially beginning her career as a kickboxer, Kaufman has added Brazilian jiu-jitsu to her skill set. The Canadian holds the rank of brown belt in BJJ.
Going into this bout Kaufman will look to avoid the same trap as Rousey’s victims in the past and avoid her armbar. While Rousey will look to initiate the clinch and use her judo to get Kaufman to the mat, Kaufman will likely look to keep her distance and use her superior striking to batter the champion on the feet.
Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman is set to take place on Aug. 18 with the main card beginning at 10 p.m. EDT.
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