Ronda Rousey is not just the most famous women’s MMA fighter in the world. She’s arguably the most recognizable fighter – period.
In recent months, the Strikeforce women’s bantamweight champion has appeared on the cover of ESPN the Magazine’s “The Body Issue,” was a guest on “Conan” and hosted “TMZ” on Fox. Her gorgeous looks and blonde locks to go along with a cool personality – and lack of a filter when in front of a microphone – have made her a huge crossover star.
STRIKEFORCE: ROUSEY VS. KAUFMAN BEST BETS
Now, after all the headlines, blogs, videos and magazine covers, Rousey finally has to step back into the cage for the first time as champion. And while she’s had to carry the media responsibilities for Saturday night’s Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman event in San Diego, which will air 10 p.m. on Showtime, there’s going to be a dangerous opponent in the other corner when the bell rings.
Sarah Kaufman is no slouch. She’s won three straight fights, is a strong boxer and holds a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. She beat Miesha Tate, the woman Rousey took the title from, in 2009. Kaufman is arguably Rousey’s toughest opponent to date and is likely to be far superior standing up.
Of course, no opponent has stood for very long with Rousey. Not with that Olympic judo pedigree. Rousey won the bronze medal in Beijing in 2008. If she gets a hold of you, you’re going to get tossed to the ground. And once you’re on the ground, there’s a good chance Rousey will find your arm and try to tear it off. She’s finished all five of her pro fights – and all three of her amateur ones – by first-round armbar.
This event will also show just how big of a draw Rousey is. The rest of the card is shallow – kind of like Strikeforce’s roster – but either way Rousey is a legitimate headliner. If Showtime draws a huge ratings number, look for the UFC, which owns Strikeforce, to take some interest in promoting a fight between Rousey and Cris (Cyborg) Santos down the line. That’s if Showtime allows it.
Ronaldo (Jacare) Souza vs. Derek Brunson
It was two years ago that Souza defeated Tim Kennedy for the vacant Strikeforce middleweight title and looked like a world beater – a guy who would be right up there at the top of the division in the UFC. The last two fights have exposed some flaws in Jacare’s game. He’s coming off a lackluster win against unheralded Bristol Marunde and before that a loss to Luke Rockhold where he dropped his belt.
A victory Saturday night against Brunson would likely earn Souza a rematch with Rockhold and he is a heavy favorite. Brunson has a wrestling background with some jiu-jitsu experience, but Souza is a killer on the ground. And Brunson is coming off a loss to Kendall Grove, a guy cut by the UFC, in the small ShoFight promotion.
Tarec Saffiedine vs. Roger Bowling
At 25, Saffiedine is still a prospect. His kickboxing ability is superb and extremely technical. But he is by no means a fighter with one-punch knockout power. He’s the rare striker who goes to the cards as much as he finishes. Saffiedine’s style is more about outpointing the competition than knocking them out.
Bowling is a finisher, though, and he should push the pace in this one. The winner is likely to get a shot at new Strikeforce welterweight champion Nate Marquardt. Though neither are truly in his league. This one should be exciting. Look for Bowling to move forward and Saffiedine to counter strike with some potential fireworks.
Lumumba Sayers vs. Anthony Smith
Strikeforce is looking at Sayers as a potential big draw down the road. He’s exciting and he finishes – what else would you expect froma guy nicknamed “Heavy Hands?” Sayers is coming off two quick stoppages of Scott Smith (guillotine choke) and Antwain Britt (KO with punches in 18 seconds). Anthony Smith is no tomato can, but Sayers is expected to run through him.
Ovince St. Preux vs. TJ Cook
There isn’t a headshot up of Cook on Strikeforce’s website. That’s all you need to know about this fight.
St. Preux, the former University of Tennessee defensive end/linebacker, is looking like a future star despite a loss to Gegard Mousasi in December. Before that, he had won eight in a row. At 29 with incredible athleticism, the light heavyweight could be a headliner in the future. He’ll have to win this one – and he should – and string together another win or two before earning a shot at the now-vacant title.
PRELIMS
Miesha Tate vs. Julie Kedzie
Bobby Green vs. Matt Ricehouse
Adlan Amagov vs. Keith Berry
Germaine de Randamie vs. Hiroko Yamanaka
The fight to watch here is Tate-Kedzie. It’s surprising that it isn’t on the main card. Tate headlined against Rousey in March. Kedzie is no Rousey, but she should provide a solid challenge and an interesting fight. The rest is little more than filler. Yamanaka is the woman who was knocked out by Santos in 16 seconds before the fight was ruled a no contest when Cyborg failed a drug test.
PREDICTIONS
Rousey
Souza
Bowling
Sayers
St. Preux
Tate
Green
Amagov
de Randamie
Fight of the Night: Saffiedine vs. Bowling
Knockout of the Night: Sayers
Submission of the Night: Rousey