S. Baszler (left) and S. Kaufman (right) before their first fight, in 2009. Photo: Strikeforce/Showtime
One of the pioneers of women's MMA will finally debut in the UFC. The Ultimate organization announced, this Saturday (08), that veteran Shayna Baszler, participant of the reality show The Ultimate Fighter 18, will face the also experienced Sarah Kaufman at the TUF Nations Finale, an event that takes place on April 16, in Quebec (Canada).
At 33 years old, Shayna has a record of 15 wins and eight losses as a professional. The American should have debuted against Sarah Moras at the TUF 18 Finale, in November last year, but an injury prevented the duel from taking place. On TUF, Shayna was part of the Ronda Rousey and was responsible for one of the biggest upsets of the edition, when she was defeated by Julianna Pena, who would later become champion. The defeat of the “Queen of Swords”, as she is known, made Ronda cry, in one of the most memorable scenes in the program.
Shayna Baszler and Sarah Kaufman already know each other from cage. In 2006, the two faced each other in the now-defunct Strikeforce, with Kaufman winning by unanimous decision from the judges. Even though she is only 28 years old, Sarah has a vast record of 16 wins, two losses and one unsuccessful fight. The Canadian, former Strikeforce champion, had been defeated by Jessica Eye in her first fight in the UFC, in October last year, but the opponent failed the anti-doping test and the result was reversed in a I didn't answer (fight without result).
The TUF Nations Finale takes place on April 16th, at Colisée Pepsi, in Quebec (Canada). In the main fight of the night, the British Michael Bisping faces the American Tim Kennedy. In the co-main fight, Canadian Patrick Côté faces Australian Kyle Noke, in the coaches' duel of the TUF edition. In addition, fight night also hosts tournament decisions in the middleweight and welterweight categories of the reality show.
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