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Photo Credit: Sherdog.com

“Having your first fight against a woman like Sarah Kaufman really helps you make the decision whether or not this sport is for you.”

That's what Alexis Davis (11-4) said as she nears a re-match with Kaufman (14-1) on March 3^rd in Columbus, Ohio for Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey.

The two first met back in April 2007 in what was Davis' first professional mixed martial arts bout. Kaufman took that fight by TKO (punches) in the third and final frame. 

“Even though I lost I still fell in love with it (MMA).” Davis said, “It just helped me learn that there is so much more I need to learn. Even just controlling my emotions and knowing when to react.”

Since that fight both fighters have developed all-around games that have led them to the top of the division. Davis has finished in seven of her 11 victories. In her last fight she scored a TKO victory over one of the most feared strikers in the division, Amanda Nunes.

Photo Credit: MMAFighting.com

Fireworks are going to ignite when the two meet inside the Strikeforce cage to determine the number one contender for the Strikeforce bantamweight championship. Kaufman is looking to reclaim her title while Davis, riding a three fight win streak, seeks redemption. This fight means more to her than just a belt.

“Of course it's a huge motivation, but so is the fact that I'm fighting one of the top women in my weight class, a previous title holder, and one of the toughest females in this sport. I beat Kaufman, it's already like I won the belt.”

The fight was scheduled on the main card, but with the addition of Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza vs. Derek Brunson it was slated as the preliminary main event on Showtime Extreme. The decision caught both fighters off guard. Davis remarked about the decision, “I was a little upset. It's like giving a kid candy and just when there about to enjoy it, they take it away. But it doesn't matter where this fight is on the card, I'm still going to fight as if we're the main event.”

While Davis vs. Kaufman will not be on the main card, the event will be headlined by Miesha Tate defending her title against Ronda Rousey. The card in Columbus will be only the second major mixed martial arts show in the United States to be headlined by women. 

“Strikeforce has become one of the biggest venue for women's MMA. Every year that goes by this sport just grows, and we're just paving the way for the next generation. Pretty soon women as the main event won't be so few and far between.” Davis continued, “We're taking over!”

The takeover begins on Showtime Extreme at 8:00PM EST. Tickets are still available via http://www.ticketmaster.com.

Alexis would like to thank sponsors Eshine, Training Mask, Lexani, VII A.D., Jaco & Klench Kustom Mouthguards. Along with her coaches: Dave Dayboll, Marlon Moraes & Pablo Popovitch.

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This post is related to an event on our Calendar:

• Strikeforce: Ronda Rousey vs Miesha Tate, Sarah Kaufman vs Alexis Davis

This post is related to an ongoing story:

• MMA: The Women are Here to Stay

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