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Monday, Aug 20, 2012

Post-Strikeforce Thoughts: Rousey Queen of Women’s MMA

Rousey working Kaufman's arm over (photo via Esther Lin/ Showtime)

By Michael Hatamoto

Ronda Rousey confirmed media distractions and a significantly higher public profile didn’t prevent her from her fighting responsibilities, as she easily manhandled Sarah Kaufman to defend her Strikeforce bantamweight championship.

Rousey was able to get the takedown and immediately worked for an armbar – and while Kaufman initially survived – she tapped just 54 seconds into the fight.

The former Olympian now looks forward to a potential showdown against Cris ‘Cyborg’ after the former Strikeforce featherweight champion had her title stripped due to a failed drug test.

Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker confirmed he’s looking to match up Rousey vs. Cyborg, but Cyborg remains suspended until 2013.  Also, trying to determine a catchweight may prove to be difficult, as Rousey wants it at 135 pounds, while Cyborg wants a fight at 145-pounds.  A catchweight of 140 pounds would make sense for both participants – but Rousey believes Cyborg should have to drop all of the weight.

Meanwhile, former champion Miesha Tate could have been back in line with an impressive win against Julie Kedzie – which she did win via submission – but it was far from dominant.

Amusingly, Gina Carano’s name has been thrown around a bit as a potential opponent for Rousey – and while that would be easy to promote – it’s hard to believe Carano suddenly deserves the opportunity to fight Rousey.

As women’s MMA continues to gain new fans, it’s going to be interesting to see how Strikeforce books Rousey’s next fight.    This is the glaring problem of the current women’s MMA ranks: Rousey sits alone in a division where she’s likely going to have to fight at a catch weight because there is no one left for her to beat.

posted by FCF Staff @ 10:16 pm
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