Strikeforce Recap: Ronda Rousey dominates again with first-round armbar

Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman is in the books and once again Ronda Rousey has pulled off a first-round submission via armbar. Rousey came out striking in order to push Kaufman up against the cage, where the champion took the fight ot the ground as planned with a Judo takedown. From there, she went to her bread and butter, and it was only a matter of time before Kaufman submitted to Rousey’s signature move.

In other action, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza defeated Derek Brunson with a vicious right hand and some ground-and-pound, making a case for a rematch with Strikeforce Middleweight champion Luke Rockhold. Tarec Saffedine outmatched Roger Bowling in a unanimous decision. With the win, Saffedine may find himself in a title fight with Nathan Marquardt. Anthony Smith pulled off an impressive triangle choke over Lumumba Sayers. Ovince St. Preux threw a heavy right hand that completely knocked his opponent T.J. Cook out cold in the third round.

Once again, Ronda Rousey has won in impressive fashion. The hype would seem to have some substance to it. She defeated a former champion in only 54 seconds, and subsequently called out suspended Cyborg Santos for a match. Santos could possibly be her only competition in WMMA. With the win, Rousey quiets those who still doubted her.

Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman Full Results:

Main Card:

Ronda Rousey def. Sarah Kaufman via R1 submision (armbar)
Ronaldo Souza def. Derek Brunson via R1 KO (punch)
Tarec Saffiedine def. Roger Bowling via unanimous decision  
Anthony Smith def. Lumumba Sayers via submission (triangle)
Ovince St. Preux def. T.J. Cook via R3 KO  (punch)

Preliminary Card:

Miesha Tate def. Julie Kedzie via submission (armbar)  
Adlan Amagov def. Keith Berry via first-round TKO (strikes)
Germaine de Randamie def. Hiroko Yamanaka via unanimous decision
Bobby Green def. Matt Ricehouse via unanimous decision

LowKick.com Awards:

Performance of the Night:
While there were some great finishes on tonight’s card, it would be hard to argue with Ronda Rousey’s dominating title defense. Can anyone stop her armbar?

Finish of the Night:
Ronaldo Souza earns the nod here with his emphatic knockout of Derek Brunson. He should be fighting Luke Rockhold next for the Strikeforce 185 lb. belt.

Upset of the Night:
It may not have been an upset on paper, but after getting destroyed with strikes for the vast majority of her bout with Julie Kedzie, Miesha Tate came back when she down and won with an armbar finish of her own.