Strikeforce returned to Columbus, Ohio, for Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey. The event coincided with the annual Arnold Sports Classic. Nationwide Arena was the host for the event’s nine fights, including the women’s bantamweight championship bout between champion Miesha Tate and challenger Ronda Rousey.
A trio of former Strikeforce champions was also in action.
Longtime lightweight kingpin Josh Thomson met K.J. Noons to determine the next challenger for current champ Gilbert Melendez. Fighting for the first time since losing his middleweight belt, Brazilian Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza matched up with Bristol Marunde. Finally, Sarah Kaufman looked to reestablish herself in the 135-pound division against Alexis Davis.
The night’s five-fight main card was shown on Showtime at 10 p.m. ET. Preliminary card action aired on Showtime Extreme at 8 p.m. ET.
Main Card
Ronda Rousey def. Miesha Tate by submission (armbar). Round 1, 4:27 (New bantamweight champion)
Josh Thomson def. K.J. Noons by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Kazuo Misaki def. Paul Daley by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
Lumumba Sayers def. Scott Smith by submission (guillotine choke). Round 1, 1:34
Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza def. Bristol Marunde by submission (arm-triangle choke). Round 3, 2:43
Preliminary Card
Sarah Kaufman def. Alexis Davis by majority decision (29-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Roger Bowling def. Brandon Saling by TKO (strikes). Round 2, 1:15
Pat Healy def. Caros Fodor by submission (arm-triangle choke). Round 3, 3:35
Ryan Couture def. Conor Heun by TKO (strikes). Round 3, 2:52