Women’s 135 lbs Strikeforce champion Marloes Coenen (18-4) is looking forward to a big year in 2011 after a tumultuous run in 2010.
The Golden Glory fighter had a shot at two Strikeforce titles last year, coming up short in her first attempt and earning gold in her second.
In January of 2009 she fought Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos for the Strikeforce Women’s Middleweight (145 lbs) Championship title and was defeated in the third round by TKO.
She then dropped down to 135 lbs to face Strikeforce Women’s Welterweight Championship Sarah Kaufman in September in San Jose, pulling off a third round submission to win the title.
Now the 135 lbs women’s champ is looking to dedicate herself to the sport of mixed martial arts and is hoping for a big year in 2011. Her first title defense appears likely for an upcoming Strikeforce event in March against Miesha Tate.
“The Cyborg-fight was one big lesson to me. Though I lost, it has boosted my confidence big time. I proved to myself that I am a fighter, don’t give up, and can take a beating. The Kaufman fight was different. I had expected more fireworks from her side. To cut a long story short; I am always very critical on my own performance, but I am happy with that fight too if I take all the ‘external’ things in consideration. For my next fight, I want more fireworks… and I’ll make it happen…The upcoming three years, at least, I will totally dedicate to MMA. I’ll do whatever it takes, and maybe I move to the U.S., we will see. 2011 will be spectacular, cannot wait for it to start. If there is a theme (for the year) it’ll be ‘Bring it on!’”
Quote: MMAWeekly.com