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Columbus, Ohio plays host to one of the most important contests in women's MMA history when Strikeforce presents Miesha Tate vs. Ronda Rousey this Saturday night. MMA fighter Jessica Philippus and myself break down the card and reach out to several top WMMA athletes for their thoughts and predictions on the evening's two female bouts.

Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey - Showtime 10:00PM EST
Miesha Tate vs. Ronda Rousey
Jessica Philippus: With this one it's hard not to be bias with who I want to win, but here's my take on it all. I actually used to be quite the Ronda fan, especially when she was in the opposite shoes when fighting Charmaine Tweet. I respect Ronda as a judoka and athlete in general but am certainly not a fan on all the drama and smack talking. Really, you're gonna beat up your opponent's boyfriend? Lame. However much I hate what she did, a small part of me admires her for playing the MMA game to a T. Kudos for that and all the attention this fight has brought to the ladies side of MMA.

Now as far as technicalities go I am interested to see of she will even make weight, how the cut will effect her performance and how she will handle someone who has more ground game then all of her past 4 opponents combined. Miesha has excellent ground control and from my personal experience in the judo scene judo practitioners get frustrated by wrestlers. I think something that everyone is overlooking is the heart and relentless desire for success that wrestling has instilled in Miesha. That's something that can not be measured, therefore is hard to recognize. This is certainly one of Miesha's most challenging fights yet, but then again it is for Ronda too!

I cant really decide but I say Miesha with the decision or otherwise it will be some wild crazy, rage fueled KO in the 1st round by either one.

Nathan McCarter: I definitely agree that the champion is being overlooked, both by the fans and the media.

I have noticed through social media that because Rousey is coming down from 145 pounds that there is a perception that she is a much bigger and stronger fighter than Tate. However, looking at their measurable they are fairly equal and it's unknown how the weight cut will effect Rousey's strength.

For me this is such a tough fight to predict because of the lingering questions that surround Ronda Rousey's game. The grappling game will be extremely interesting to watch and should strongly favor the challenger. And as I wrote on January 25^th, “when all things are equal between two opponents it is wrestling that typically comes out on top, but Rousey is an Olympic Judoka. All things are not equal.”

The longer this fight goes it favors Miesha Tate and I definitely see this going past the minute mark. Projecting that Rousey will have no issues with the cut I have to side with her skills in this fight. I would expect her to utilize her superior grappling a finish with a submission late in the first round or early in the second. However, I would not be surprised to see her fade and the champion put on a late run to a decision.

Alex Stobbe: Everyone is so excited for Tate vs. Rousey; and rightfully so. But I can't help but feel that Ronda Rousey does not deserve the title shot. At least not yet. To me, it was a no-brainer that Kaufman would face Tate for her first defense as champ, and I really wanted to see that matchup. Don’t get me wrong. I am thankful and very excited that Sarah is still on the card, fighting for the top contender spot, but I already felt she was the top contender. In my ever so humble opinion, Rousey vs. Davis and Tate vs. Kaufman would have been much fairer - as far as experience goes. But I digress. As much as I feel Ms. Rousey doesn't deserve this shot, I can't wait to see Meisha Tate tear her apart. I am especially hoping for a win via arm bar. Not only do I feel that Meisha is a superior athlete and fighter, Ronda doesn't put forward the most likable demeanor or attitude and that makes me want Meisha Tate to destroy her and remain the Champ that much more. I see Meisha taking out Rhonda in impressive fashion with a TKO or arm bar in the fourth round. This coupled with the earlier result it will set up the fight I want to see: Tate vs. Kaufman.

Jordan McDonald: I haven't been this excited about a WMMA fight since Carano vs. Cyborg. I love what this match up is doing for WMMA. I think this fight & the attention it's drawing sheds light on a part of our sport that many overlook or like to look down upon & that is the entertainment aspect. MMA is an entertainment sport and therefore the match ups & those who get chances at belts and titles aren't always going to be the ones who are technically "in line". A lot can be said about how unfair this is but I think it is an undeniable aspect of the sport. Rank is not the only factor in deciding match ups. Looks aren't either but they obviously can and will play a part from time to time. Colorful personalities, existing conflicts between fighters and mainstream opinions also heavily influence who we're going to see fight who. Rousey obviously hasn't fought her way up the ranks of the 135lb division but I don't think that means she shouldn't be getting this fight. I'd be pissed if I was Kaufman but I'd probably just start "playing the game" a little more if I was her and start making some noise. Don't hate the players hate the game people and MMA is a game just like any other mainstream sport. You can't get away from the politics, there is no such thing as a pure (mainstream) sport. Unfortunate but true.

I hate to choose sides between these two woman because I'm a big fan of both. I don't think you can ever count Miesha out of any fight. She is always game and her experience at not only fighting but also fighting championship rounds is definitely in her favor. She doesn't come off as intense as Ronda but I don't think that means she is any less dangerous of a fighter. That being said, Ronda is a force to be reckoned with and as much as people like to talk smack about her lack of experience, no one has been able to stop her game plan even when they know exactly what it is going in. She is on a tear right now and I think that momentum is going to be a significant force for Miesha to deal with. I also don't think Ronda's dangerous-ness will subside in subsequent rounds. I also have to disagree with the wrestling canceling out judo argument. Not in that wrestling doesn't cancel out judo but in that Ronda isn't a one dimensional judo fighter. I've heard she's a talented submission wrestler as well & so it won't be as simple as a wrestler canceling out a judo player.

I honestly have no idea who will win in this fight and that is exactly what has me so excited to see it. These women have done a phenomenal job at promoting this fight and no matter what happens, WMMA will benefit greatly from it. Hats off to both women & may the best girl win.

Laura Marcusse: I think the Tate vs. Rousey fight will be a battle, but I think Meisha's experience and ability to defend Ronda's throws will ultimately turn the tables in her favor. I don't think Ronda's prepared for Meisha's stand up either. No one is really talking about the stand up portion of this fight but Meisha has good striking and, like I said, experience will win the day. The only think I worry about is Ronda's brute strength, but I think Meisha can handle it.

Sarah D'Alelio: So aside from the obvious "She's got to protect her arms" I think Miesha has a good chance to win this fight. If her wrestling is spot on she'll definitely be able to beat Rousey's judo, and Miesha's really good about controlling people when she has them on their backs. If she gets Rousey on her back I think the fight is Miesha's. She and I come from the same area in Washington, so I'm always rooting for an old friend no matter how far apart we've grown over the past couple of years.

Stacey Miller: I think Ronda Rousey is a one trick pony who is in over her head. I feel her overconfidence will be her demise in this match and Tate will dominate the fight whether it be in stand up or ground game. However, I don't think anyone should take away from Rousey's determination to win. She's going to give Tate a hell of a fight to live up to the hype she's given herself -- my two cents.

Barb Honchak: I think Ronda Rousey could take Miesha Tate within the first 30 seconds to 1 minute of any round with her explosive judo, but i think Miesha Tate is the more well rounded fighter.

Jessamyn Duke: I've got Rousey winning in the first round via... you guessed it. Armbar. Meisha may evade for a second but I think she's going to be on the defensive from the get go and it's just a matter of time until Rousey snags the sub.

Sarah Goodlaxson: I think Ronda is going to win and that people underestimate her because of her lack of experience, but they need to remember the level of athlete she is.

Nicdali Calanoc: I think Miesha Tate has the will and determination to overcome whatever Ronda throws at her. I think Ronda will fight hard until she actually feels how hard Miesha hits. Miesha doesn't look like she hits hard but she does. I say Miesha wins by finishing her somehow.

Lisa Ellis-Ward: I think Rousey, second round. But we all know Miesha can take a pounding so ya never know.

Sara McMann: I honestly don't know. I lean towards Miesha slightly for experience with high level grapplers and more tools in striking, but Ronda is very skilled in select areas and has a chance to catch her. If Miesha makes few errors she will win. If Ronda can take her down she will win.

Roxanne Modafferi: I dislike calling fights, however I will say that they both have a pretty good chance. I think Miesha is a very well-rounded fighter, but Ronda is very good at Judo and arm-bars and what she does. I also think that it was wrong for Kaufman to get surpassed (at least they gave her a fight, though!) just because Ronda called for a title shot because she's popuar. On the other hand, it does make sense to give her the shot because she's popular and that's what the fans want to see.

Shana Olsen: I have seen some improvements in Miesha's striking in her last fights and also this is the first world class grappler Ronda has fought. Miesha will be able to avoid the judo attempts of Ronda better than her previous opponents I feel. Ronda has a fighter's spirit and definitely has skills for this sport. I say Miesha for the win though. Gonna be tough for Ronda to figure out how to deal with a fighter who can avoid her judo throws if Miesha sticks to that game plan.
 

K.J. Noons vs. Josh Thomson
Jessica Philippus: What a perfect co-main event. Battle of the hot guys? Oh wait, I’m sorry, you mean they’re not just eye candy they fight too? Awesome. Even better, winner should get a shot at Gilbert Melendez. Both have the skills to keep this standing although Noons has the edge there, and hopefully he has been working on his takedown defense in case Thomson wants to take this to the ground where he has the advantage. Thomson hasn’t fought since 2010 so ring rust may be an issue, but if it is not then I predict Josh will get the win.

Paul Daley vs. Kazuo Misaki
Jessica Philippus: Both men have excellent striking capabilities. However, due to Daley’s heavy hands and Masaki’s questionable chin I call a KO/TKO in the 1st.

Ronaldo Souza vs. Bristol Marunde
Nathan McCarter: Marunde is a late replacement for Derek Brunson who did not pass his medicals. Coming in late against Jacare is a tough assignment. Marunde has nothing to lose, but I think Jacare is on a different level at this point. Something special will happen once he gets it to the mat. Jacare will get the submission in the first round.

Scott Smith vs. Lumumba Sayers
Nathan McCarter: This fight should be a slugfest and that is probably why it's on the main card. Both guys have power and it could go either way, but with the recent accumulation of punishment I favor Sayers in this fight. Either way I don't see this fight going too far, Sayers by first round knockout.

Preliminary Card - Showtime Extreme: 8:00PM EST

Sarah Kaufman vs. Alexis Davis
Nathan McCarter: As mentioned in the Alexis Davis article leading up to this fight these two originally met back in 2007 in what was Davis' pro debut and only Kaufman's fourth professional fight. But this is an entirely different affair. Both women have improved their all around MMA game tremendously in that time and find themselves in a position where they are fighting for a title shot.

I have to wonder how getting passed over for the title shot has effected Kaufman. It's not something that has been let go or glossed over. She has been vocal about it and is continually asked about it in the media. Will she fight not to lose? On the flip side, Alexis Davis has a chance to avenge the loss and get the title shot herself. She has everything to gain.

I think this fight comes down to Kaufman being the better wrestler. She will dictate where this fight takes place. For Davis, even if she is taken down Marloes Coenen has shown that Kaufman can be submitted from the bottom. Her jiu-jitsu credentials really make this an interesting fight if it hits the floor. This is one of the most intriguing fights on the card because of the backstory between the fighters and the ramifications of the tilt, and I think Kaufman retains her number one contender status with a unanimous decision victory.

Jessica Philippus: I'm very much looking forward to the sheer athleticism this match will showcase. Both ladies have great striking though Kaufman's is more precise. Davis will have the edge on the ground and with overall aggressiveness and heart. I see this one being a very technical battle (hoping for not much work against the cage) yet exciting because both women are very hungry for the win. I say Davis by split decision.

Alex Stobbe: Although I do not know much about Alexis Davis I feel that she will be an entertaining and competitive match for Sarah Kaufman, but will come up short in the rematch. Losing in the 2nd round by submission.

Jordan McDonald: I have to go with Kaufman on this one. Davis has shown herself to be a viable 135lb contender but unless she catches Kaufman making a mistake I just don't see her outstriking or taking Kaufman down. All of Kaufman's opponents have had a hard time enforcing their game plan on her & most end up simply dealing with Kaufman's game plan and just trying to survive. I see this fight going to decision because Davis is a really tough & talented girl but if I had to bet I'd say Kaufman will come away with a unanimous decision.

Sarah D'Alelio: Alexis vs. Sarah is gonna be a really tough one to call. They're both really smart fighters and excellent athletes, so neither one is going to get caught with anything stupid. It's pretty likely the fight will go the distance. If one of them decides to take a chance and do something a little risky that may give them the aggressive edge in the judges eyes or possibly put them in a good spot to finish the fight.

Barb Honchak: If it hits the canvas, Alexis Davis will take the win. But Sarah Kaufman's takedown defense is very good and I believe this fight will stay on their feet. So Sarah Kaufman for the win.

Jessamyn Duke: I think Alexis is going to submit Kaufman late in the fight. She's patient and methodical. Smart enough to avoid Kaufman's power.

Lisa Ellis-Ward: Kauffman by decision.

Shana Olsen: Another great fight with even greater implications! Both are strong girls and strong strikers. I think this one goes to a close decision and I see Alexis being more active, so Alexis takes it by decision.

Caros Fodor vs. Pat Healy
Nathan McCarter: Much like the Showtime Extreme main event, this fight is not indicative of a preliminary fight. Caros Fodor is on a five fight win streak and coming off his best performance (KO victory over Justin Wilcox). Healy is 6-1 over his last seven fights with his only loss coming in an entertaining fight versus Josh Thomson. The winner of this contest should be right in the title hunt in Strikeforce. I think this comes down to if Pat Healy can turn it into a dogfight. He's been in there against some of the toughest guys during his career and can drag Fodor into the deep waters.

However, I think in a three round fight Caros will pick up the first two rounds on points and squeak past Healy on a unanimous decision.

Conor Heun vs. Ryan Couture
Jessica Philippus: With both of these guy’s tough yet stubborn dispositions this is bound to go to decision. Unless one of them is choked unconscious. Heun, who is a black belt and trained by Eddie Bravo, has a history of not tapping even if doing so resulted in a mangled arm. Couture, who has a background in wrestling and is trained by UFC vet/father Randy Couture, is hungry to prove he belongs in Strikeforce against a tougher opponent. Heun has been verbal in his plans to “destroy” Couture, for this reason alone I hope Couture pulls out the W via decision. Does anyone else think this resembles a mini Tate vs Rousey? The humble wrestler meets the mouthy gi-wearing nemesis.

Roger Bowling vs. Brandon Saling
Nathan McCarter: This was a late addition to the card featuring two Ohio fighters. The difference being that Bowling is a Strikeforce prospect and Saling is not. That's not to say Saling is not a tough guy, but this will be a rude welcome. Bowling should get the fans on their feet early with a dominant performance.

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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

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• MMA: The Women are Here to Stay

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