Strikeforce ‘Rousey vs. Kaufman’ Preview
The Prelims
Women’s Bantamweights
Miesha Tate (12-3, 5-2 Strikeforce) vs. Julie Kedzie (16-10, 0-1 Strikeforce): Tate, as she proved against Ronda Rousey in March, is as tough as they come. “Takedown” continued to fight even after her arm was seriously injured early in the contest, and she showed no fear in attacking the heavily favored Rousey. Kedzie, while less celebrated than Tate, is an experienced veteran who is no stranger to big-name competition, having battled the likes of Gina Carano, Shayna Baszler and Alexis Davis during a career that began in 2004. Kedzie’s biggest weakness has been wrestlers who can muscle her against the cage and hold her on the mat. Tate will look to implement a similar game plan. If Kedzie can fight effectively at distance and with her back against the fence, she wins by narrow decision.
Lightweights
Matt Ricehouse (6-0, 4-0 Strikeforce) vs. Bobby Green (18-5, 3-1 Strikeforce): At 25 years old, Ricehouse looks like a decent prospect in the Strikeforce lightweight division, with recent decision wins over Tom Aaron, Ryan Couture and Bill Cooper. A former two-division King of the Cage champion, Green has promise, as well, with his only Strikeforce setback coming against Gesias Cavalcante via split decision in 2011. Green takes this one on points.
Middleweights
Keith Berry (11-9, 0-2 Strikeforce) vs. Adlan Amagov (9-2-1, 2-1 Strikeforce): Amagov is looking to rebound from a first-round knockout loss to Robbie Lawler at Strikeforce “Rockhold vs. Jardine” in January. The Red Fury Fight Team product is aggressive and has a solid right hand, and as long as he does not get too out of control, he should be able to have his way with Berry, who is winless in two Strikeforce appearances. Amagov wins by TKO in round three.
Bantamweights
Germaine de Randamie (2-2, 1-1 Strikeforce) vs. Hiroko Yamanaka (12-1, 0-0, Strikeforce): It is not fair to assess Yamanaka based on her performance against Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos in December, where she was overwhelmed in just 16 seconds. With that bout changed to a no contest after Santos’ failed post-fight drug test, “Cat’s Eye” gets a fresh start against de Randamie, a muay Thai specialist. Yamanaka’s all-around skills carry her to a decision triumph.
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