The Strikeforce Womens 135lb title is on the line this Friday February 26th as the undefeated Sarah Kaufman battles Takayo Hashi. The title fight is oddly enough tucked into a Strikeforce Challengers card which is a different choice for a Championship bout to take place. The fight is not receiving much press or promotional push even though it is being billed as a "historic" moment being the first ever 135lb womens Championship. The fight could have easily held it's own co-main eventing on a normal Showtime card or even added to the CBS line up. Never the less, the ladies headline the card eminating from San Jose CA. in what should be an entertaining battle of to top 135lb female fighters. Kaufman has not yet been defeated in her career and is a fan friendly fighter with heavy hands that have stopped eight of her ten opponents. She has gone to decision in both of her bouts in Strikeforce, against tough fighters Miesha Tate and Shayna Baszler, which were the first two fights of her career to go to the judges. Kaufman comes from a kick-boxing background and has the power to stop Hashi, but Takayo will bring her own set of weapons to the table. Takayo is a tough vet who has submission prowess and a good all-around game as evidenced by her 12-1 record as a pro. Can Takayo deal with the strength and stand up of Kaufman, or will this be another version of a striker with good TD defense beating on a Japanese Grappler for the duration? No disrespect to Takayo, but I tend to believe the latter. As Kaufman has shown us in her two Strikeforce fights she has tremendous takedown defense and a strong base which will make it unlikely Takayo will be able to take it to the floor aside from pulling guard. Takayo has stated that she is willing to fight wherever the fight may take place, be it the mat or on the feet, she still has a better shot at victory if this turns into a grappling match. Be sure to tune in and give these tough ladies some love as Strikeforce Challengers comes from the Civic Auditorium in San Jose, CA this Friday, February 26 and airs on Showtime 11:00PM EST.
Main Card (Televised on Showtime)
Sarah Kaufman (10-0) vs. Takayo Hashi (12-1) Women's Welterweight Championship
Trevor Prangley (22-5) vs. Karl Amoussou (11-2-1)
Luke Rockhold (6-1) vs. Paul Bradley (12-1)
James Terry (7-1) vs. Tarec Saffiedine (7-2)
Raul Castillo (6-0) vs. Yancy Medeiros (4-0)
Undercard (Non-Televised)
Eric Lawson (9-2) vs. Wayne Phillips (3-3)
Chris Stewart (Amateur Debut) vs. Samuel Bracamnonte (Amatuer Debut)
Tristan Arenal (Amateur; 3-1) vs. George Miller (Amateur; 3-1)
Jesse Tobar (Amateur; 2-0) vs. Phil Balducci (Amateur; 1-1)
Renee Robinson (Amateur Debut) vs. Lilia Salas (Amateur Debut)
Steve Dickie (Amateur; 3-0) vs. Alan Lummel (Amateur; 1-0)
Ronald Carillo (Amateur; 1-0) vs. Anthony De Los Santos (Amateur Debut)
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