Olympic Wrestler Sara McMann Signs to Strikeforce

posted by MarQFPR, a Women Talk Sports blogger
Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at 5:30pm EST

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Sara McMann Goes to Strikeforce

Strikeforce MMA gains an Olympic Silver medalist, and probably one of the best female wrestlers in the world.

Sara McMann announced on her facebook today that she has been signed to the San Jose based MMA organization. McMann, who won silver in the Athens 2004 Olympic Games in freestyle wrestling, has gone 2-0 in her amateur MMA career.

It was only earlier this year when McMann stepped off of the wrestling mat and into the MMA cage for the first time, but with her grappling pedigree it was a natural fit. In a recent interview on “Sportsgeeks”, McMann talked about her transition to MMA.

“I wanted to retire from wrestling,” McMann expressed. “I just had a strong desire for one on one, hand-to-hand combat.”

“I think MMA offers a different intensity and it gives me an opportunity to start from scratch as an athlete; to build myself and see how far I can push my talents.”

McMann has been encouraged by several top fighters including Tara LaRosa and Shayna Baszler to pursue MMA; both of whom she has grappled with in tournaments.

No word on when McMann will debut, but it is expected to be on the smaller Strikeforce Challengers card, which airs on Showtime. It is also expected she will compete in the 135 pound division.

There was a great article about McMann's life of tragedy and triumph published recently by ESPN the Magazine, which can be found by going to http://sports.espn.go.com/.

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There are 5 comments on this post. Join the discussion!

anngaff says:

Exciting! Do we know which weight she will fight at?

Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at 5:36pm EST

MarQFPR says:

135 from what she told us a few months ago. Don't expect her to be challenging for the belt just yet, she admits that her striking needs work.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at 5:38pm EST

AWESOMENESS says:

She has a amateur record of 3-0.

Friday, December 10, 2010 at 10:57pm EST

MarQFPR says:

She is 2-0 both of her other scheduled matches were cancelled for various reason. http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/f/D37357AC56DBCCE2/Sara-McMann/

Also a quick follow-up - Strikeforce says that she isn't signed yet, which basically mean she has signed on the dotted line.

Friday, December 10, 2010 at 11:13pm EST

AWESOMENESS says:

I know her and train with her, she is 3-0. Ask her yourself if you don't believe me.

Friday, December 10, 2010 at 11:23pm EST

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Olympic Wrestler Sara McMann Signs to Strikeforce

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