Sarah Kaufman defends her Strikeforce women’s title with huge KO slam

By Mike Johnston

(Canadian MMA Examiner)

Georges St. Pierre isn’t the only Canadian mixed martial arts champion fans should be talking about. British Columbia native Sarah Kaufman successfully defended her Strikeforce women’s 135lb title at Strikeforce Challengers 9 by defeating Roxanne Modafferi in what will be a definite candidate for “Knockout of the Year.”

The first round was spent primarily in the clinch with both women fighting for dominant position, but not doing much damage. In the second round, Kaufman began landing solid punching combinations. She also initiated a Muay Thai clinch where she was able to land some quality knees to the body and head.

The third round saw Modafferi take Kaufman to the ground, but the Canadian defended well and was able to escape. Late in the round Modafferi pulled guard, however with just 15 seconds remaining Kaufman lifted her up and slammed her to the ground, knocking Modafferi out in a way that would make Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson jealous. Canadian commentator Mauro Ranallo, who was doing the play-by-play for the event, was extremely impressed with the finish saying, “That may be one of the best female finishes in history. Unbelievable!”

Prior to the fight, Kaufman expressed her displeasure that she was not being featured on a more prominent Strikeforce card, like her female counterparts Chris ‘Cyborg’ Santos and Gina Carano always are. Kaufman made a statement that she deserves to be promoted as one of Strikeforce’s top assets.