Top five candidates to defeat Ronda Rousey

Another fighter who has felt the mighty armbar, Kaufman remains perhaps the toughest female fighter in the group, and possesses all the necessary stand up tools to take Rousey into deep water. She'll need a win or two before finding her way into a title fight, but she's absolutely game and ready for her run in the UFC. The no-frills, tough as nails fighter from Canada could be a champion in the UFC.Undefeated Olympic wrestler Sara McMann is also in the UFC and now scheduled to compete at UFC 159 against German newcomer Sheila Gaff. A win puts McMann in the mix, and her wrestling, makes her a very dangerous opponent for Rousey, who controlled Liz Carmouche for much of their fight with a side headlock. That maneuver won't fly against McMann.Though Miesha already fell victim to the armbar from hell, a victory over Cat Zingano at the Ultimate Fighter finale will likely see Tate back in the cage with Ronda. A complete martial artist who can finish Rousey standing, improved takedown defense could mean the difference between rehabbing another broken arm, and becoming the face of Women's MMA.View the list »
Ronda Rousey is all smiles

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The UFC's female Bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey seems to be head and shoulders the best female fighting at 135 pounds currently. That being said, there are others out there who have a shot at The Rowdy One. We saw her in trouble against Liz Carmouche last Saturday night, and there's plenty more trouble in the form of these five superstars.

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There is no guarantee that any of these five fighters can beat Ronda, but they are outstanding competitors and will be lining up for the opportunity. Time will tell as to which, if any, can get the monumental job done. One thing is certain, we will be watching.

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  • Though Miesha already fell victim to the armbar from hell, a victory over Cat Zingano at the Ultimate Fighter finale will likely see Tate back in the cage with Ronda. A complete martial artist who can finish Rousey standing, improved takedown defense could mean the difference between rehabbing another broken arm, and becoming the face of Women's MMA.
  • Undefeated Olympic wrestler Sara McMann is also in the UFC and now scheduled to compete at UFC 159 against German newcomer Sheila Gaff. A win puts McMann in the mix, and her wrestling, makes her a very dangerous opponent for Rousey, who controlled Liz Carmouche for much of their fight with a side headlock. That maneuver won't fly against McMann.
  • Another fighter who has felt the mighty armbar, Kaufman remains perhaps the toughest female fighter in the group, and possesses all the necessary stand up tools to take Rousey into deep water. She'll need a win or two before finding her way into a title fight, but she's absolutely game and ready for her run in the UFC. The no-frills, tough as nails fighter from Canada could be a champion in the UFC.
  • Liz Carmouche had Ronda in a ton of trouble in their history making clash last Saturday night in Anaheim, CA. Liz took Ronda's back standing, and nearly forced a tap to a choke/neck crank. She fought off the armbar longer than any predecessor and showed she belonged in the big show. She will be in the UFC for years to come, and it stands to reason that her path will once again cross with Rousey's. When it happens, I'd be none too surprised if Liz Carmouche finished what she started at UFC 157.
  • Cat Zingano is an undefeated fighter with a record of 7-0. She will be meeting Miesha Tate at the TUF 17 finale, and the winner will likely face Rousey next. For that reason she makes the list. She's one win away from a chance at the title, and she can not be taken lightly. She has looked tremendous in her previous fights, including a dominant victory at Invicta 3 when she defeated Raquel Pennington by Rear Naked Choke in the second round. She has the skills to beat Miesha, and winning back to back fights, puts the sports biggest belt on her.
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, Las Vegas MMA Examiner

Dan Rose has been covering the sport of mixed martial arts for more than a decade. He's traveled the world reporting on events, doing interviews and shooting photos for sites like Sherdog.com, MMA Magazine, NHBSpot.com and MMAValor.com. Dan has run a successful radio show as well, interviewing...

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