Strikeforce 135 pound champion Ronda Rousey (left) Photo Credit: Esther Lin/Showtime

Says There’s Enough Talent at 135 to Produce Women’s Division

By FCF Staff

Although the MMA world was shaken recently by reports that Strikeforce bantamweight champ Ronda Rousey had signed with the UFC, no official word about the deal had come from ZUFFA. While appearing on the Jim Rome Show today, however, UFC President Dana White has confirmed that the rising star is Octagon bound.

After praising Rousey and crediting her for having “that it factor”, White relayed that he believes there is enough talent at 135 pounds to produce a women’s division in the UFC. White added his contention that such was not the case in other divisions.

In the past, White has argued that there wasn’t enough women competing to effectively promote women’s divisions in the UFC.

Considering Rousey’s star appeal, White’s confirmation today would seem to add further validity to recent reports that Strikeforce will cease operations after its next event in January.

No terms of the deal or when Rousey will make her debut were given, however, White stated that the accomplished Judo competitor will face solid competition for the next couple of years.

The 25 year-old Rousey (6-0) hasn’t competed since August when she tapped out former champ Sarah Kaufman with a first round armbar.