Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman Staff Predictions

Saturday, August 18th at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT on Showtime
Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, California, USA

Main Card (Showtime)

Ronda Rousey vs. Sarah Kaufman (Bantamweight Championship Bout)
Mike Bohn: This fight is a throwback to the old school. Striker vs. grappler. Who will emerge victorious? It’s difficult to tell. Rousey is so young in her career and has such a ridiculous work ethic that there is no telling how much she has improved since her last fight in March. Obviously, Kaufman wants to keep this on the fight and look for the knockout while Rousey wants to take it to the mat and look for her trademark armbar. I think Kaufman will put a valiant effort and fend off Rousey for a while and take Rousey past the first round for the first time, but she will eventually succumb to the armbar like all of Rousey’s other opponents. Ronda Rousey via Submission – R2

Erik Jackson: There’s no one outside of Christine Cyborg that in my mind can challenge Ronda Rousey in women’s MMA right now. Her striking is improving drastically and we all have seen what she can do when in her element on the ground. I expect Sarah Kaufman to be overwhelmed here, however, I predict Rousey will look to finish this one with something other than an arm-bar. Ronda Rousey via TKO – R1

Patrick Weafer: As much as I like Kaufman and wish I could support the efforts of the hometown girl, Rousey has looked unbeatable and I think she will continue to look that way in this matchup. Ronda Rousey via Submission – R1

Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza vs. Derek Brunson (Middleweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Souza vs. Brunson could very well determine the next challenger to middleweight champion Luke Rockhold, but an impressive performance is necessary. Brunson needs to avoid the ground game of Souza at all costs, but even if he does he needs to be wary of the Brazillian’s improving striking abilities as well. Ultimate, Souza should be able to secure the better positions in the fight and win, but I don’t think it will be all that exciting. Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza via Unanimous Decision

Erik Jackson: Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza via Submission – R2

Patrick Weafer: Look for ‘Jacare’ to win big here. Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza via Submission – R1

Tarec Saffiedine vs. Roger Bowling (Welterweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Saffiedine’s only falter in his last six fights is against Tyron Woodley, a fighter pretty much everyone has troubles with. Bowling is a solid fighter, but Saffiedine is simply the better of the two. Tarec Saffiedine via Unanimous Decision

Erik Jackson: Tarec Saffiedine via Unanimous Decision

Patrick Weafer: Can’t really remember seeing either of these guys fight before. Going with my gut. Tarec Saffiedine via Unanimous Decision

Doug Ancey:

Lumumba Sayers vs. Anthony Smith (Middleweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: This fight will be very tell of how are Sayers’ submission defence has come. Has it improved enough from his last loss to Derek Brunson two fights ago? Anthony Smith, while the younger of the two fighters, is much more experienced. Look for Smith to catch Sayers slipping and capitalize on a mistake. Anthony Smith via Submission – R2

Erik Jackson: Anthony Smith via Unanimous Decision

Patrick Weafer: How can you root against a guy named Lumumba? Lumumba Sayers via TKO – R2

Ovince St. Preux vs. T.J. Cook (Light Heavyweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Ovince St. Preux should have his way with T.J. Cook pretty much anywhere the fight goes. I would be very surprised if Cook wins this fight, let alone makes it competitive. It’s not a landslide of a matchup, but St. Preux is, on paper at least, the better fighter of the two. Stranger things have happened, though. Ovince St. Preux via TKO – R2

Erik Jackson: Ovince St. Preux via TKO – R2

Patrick Weafer: Ovince St. Preux via Unanimous Decision