SAN DIEGO — Ronda Rousey has made clear her thoughts on a potential bout with Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos. In her own inimitable way, the Strikeforce bantamweight champion told the suspended featherweight star that a potential women’s superfight would occur on Rousey’s terms.
But this, of course, assumes the Rousey gets by Sarah Kaufman on Saturday night.The bout became official Friday as both fighters made weight at the Valley View Casino Center, with Rousey coming in at the 135-pound limit and Kaufman checking in one pound under.
If Kaufman, the former champion with a 15-1 career record, gets past Rousey on Saturday, she said she would be down for a date with “Cyborg.”
“I’ve always said I’d fight ‘Cyborg,’ Kaufman told MMAFighting.com. “I’m good friends with Cris, but it doesn’t matter to me whether I’d have to fight a friend or not, it’s just a matter of fighting. If the logistics came together to make it happen, and if the fans want it to happen, absolutely I’d figure out a way to get it done.”
As for how to get past Rousey and get to a “Cyborg” fight, Kaufman said her superior striking on Saturday will be the difference. “She’s ready to come out and fight, but her striking’s not up to my par,” she said. “This is a great fight for the fans, I’m looking forward to bringing the belt back to Canada.”
For her part, Rousey (5-0) is just ready to fight. “We’re definitely going to be best fight on the card,” she said. “This is the second time women headlined Strikeforce this year and we’re both going to bring it. I’m excited.”
All 18 fighters made weight for tomorrow night’s card:
Main Card
Ronda Rousey (135) vs. Sarah Kaufman (134)
Ronaldo Souza (186) vs. Derek Brunson (186)
Tarec Saffiedine (169.5) vs. Roger Bowling (170)
Lumumba Sayers (185) vs. Anthony Smith (186)
Ovince St. Preux (205.5) vs. TJ Cook (203)
Undercard
Miesha Tate (136) vs. Julie Kedzie (135)
Adlan Amagov (186) vs. Keith Berry (186)
Hiroko Yamanaka (145) vs. Germaine de Randamie (145)
Bobby Green (155) vs. Matt Ricehouse (155)