9 Fights Complete Strikeforce “Tate vs. Rousey” Bill

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The dance card for Strikeforce “Tate vs. Rousey” is now set, as promotion officials Friday announced the nine-fight bill.

Headlined by a 135-pound title confrontation between challenger Ronda Rousey and reigning champion Miesha Tate, the March 3 event is expected to take place at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, coinciding with the Arnold Sports Festival.

Occupying the co-headlining slot will be a light heavyweight confrontation between reigning Dream titlist Gegard Mousasi and King of the Cage champion Mike Kyle. Broadcast on premium cable network Showtime, the main draw will also feature a pivotal lightweight clash pitting onetime EliteXC king K.J. Noons against former Strikeforce titleholder Josh Thomson.

Additionally, hard-hitting Brit Paul Daley will lock horns with Pride Fighting Championships veteran Kazuo Misaki, while former Strikeforce middleweight champion Ronaldo Souza takes on rising talent Derek Brunson to open the show.

Prior to the main draw, a four-fight preliminary offering will air on Showtime Extreme. Highlighting the prelims will be a women’s 135-pound rematch between contenders Sarah Kaufman and Alexis Davis. Prospect Caros Fodor will also see action on the undercard, as he faces 10-year pro and fellow Pacific Northwest export Pat Healy.

Also featured will be UFC veteran Scott Smith, as he returns to 185 pounds to compete against Lumumba Sayers. Rounding out the preliminary proceedings will be a lightweight collision between Ryan Couture and Conor Heun.