Kaufman succumbs in seconds
SAN DIEGO — In the biggest fight of Sarah Kaufman’s career, it was more of the same from Ronda Rousey.
Rousey submitted Victoria’s Kaufman in just 54 seconds Saturday at Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman with the same move she’s used to finish every opponent in her career — an armbar — to defend the Strikeforce women’s bantamweight title.
“Ronda put on a great performance. I’m embarrassed by my performance,” Kaufman (15-2 MMA, 6-2 Strikeforce) told Showtime Sports after the fight.
“She got the armbar, I defended it. She got it again, I defended it. She got it again, and I couldn’t stop it.
“I’m really disappointed. I wanted to land some quality strikes, but it didn’t happen tonight.”
Rousey (6-0, 4-0) came forward fast, looking to strike. She quickly had Kaufman pressed against the cage, and from there the 2008 Olympic judo bronze medal winner forced an easy takedown — right into her wheelhouse on the ground, where she could look for her favourite finishing move.
Kaufman did defend initially, then defended again as Rousey looked to re-cinch it.
But the third time was the charm for the champion, who has now finished six pro opponents and three amateur opponents with the same move, all in the first round.
After the fight, Rousey called out former Strikeforce featherweight champion Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos, who currently is serving a steroids suspension. Santos has been reluctant to drop down to 135 pounds to meet Kaufman.
“I need to send out a challenge to Ms. Cyborg: I’m the champion and you should come down to 135 and let’s settle this,” Rousey said.
The buildup hype on Rousey proved to be warranted. In the weeks and months leading up to the fight with Kaufman, Rousey got the bulk of the media attention, appearing nude on the cover of ESPN The Magazine and getting her own two-part Showtime special.