A panel of sportsnet.ca MMA contributors give their predictions for Saturday’s Strikeforce women’s bantamweight title fight between champion Ronda Rousey and Victoria, B.C.’s Sarah Kaufman.
Ryan Young: Ronda Rousey by first-round armbar.
There’s no question Kaufman hits harder than anyone Rousey has ever faced, but will it really matter? As soon as “Rowdy” Ronda gets a hold of Kaufman this one is ending like all of her previous fights, quickly and with some form of arm contortion.
Trevor Dueck: Sarah Kaufman by second-round TKO.
It’s hard to bet against Canada’s MMA sweetheart. Rousey, although talented, has not been truly tested. No disrespect to Miesha Tate, but Rousey has never fought a well-rounded fighter like Kaufman. Sarah can strike and she can roll, and if Rousey is walking into this fight with too much confidence, the hype train will be derailed by the silent assassin, Sarah Kaufman.
Brad Taschuk: Ronda Rousey by first-round submission.
Yes, Sarah Kaufman is the best striker Rousey has ever faced, but that doesn’t matter, as the Alexis Davis fight showed the weakness in Kaufman’s grappling game. Rousey isn’t going to stand and trade with Kaufman, and when she takes her down she is going to aggressively pursue submissions, which Kaufman will be unable to avoid.
Matt Carson: Ronda Rousey by first-round armbar.
Kaufman’s boxing is great, but you can’t go in there against an Olympic-level judoka and expect to be standing for very long.
Carlin Bardsley: Ronda Rousey by third-round submission.
Too many people are writing Sarah off too easily. I believe she’s going to be able to keep Rousey at bay and on the end of her punches early. But as fatigue sets in, Rousey will seize her opportunity for another patented armbar.
Dwight Wakabayashi: Ronda Rousey by second-round submission.
Kaufman will be tougher to finish than Tate, but I still see Ronda being a bit too strong and technical on the ground for Kaufman to last once it goes there.
James Brydon: Sarah Kaufman by first-round TKO.
Rousey didn’t get in Kaufman’s head like she did Tate’s, so Kaufman will fight with a calm and calculated approach, but will still aggressively attack when the opportunity presents. Rousey won’t be able to take her down as easily as she thinks, and Kaufman will put her away more easily than anyone, including Rousey, would ever have thought.
Mike Johnston: Ronda Rousey by second-round submission.
As much as I think Kaufman can win, Rousey is much more than just hype. She’s as technically proficient on the ground as anyone in MMA. Plus, she trains with the Diaz brothers!
