In an update to a Monday story, former Strikeforce title challenger Marloes “Rumina” Coenen will indeed be able to make 135 pounds and will compete in both the 135- and 145-pound divisions. Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker told MMARising.com on Monday that a cut to 135 would be too difficult for Coenen, but confirmed this morning that it is now possible.
In a press release today, Strikeforce announced Coenen as the number one contender for the Strikeforce Women’s Welterweight Championship at 135 pounds. She will face the winner of Sarah Kaufman vs Roxanne Modafferi.
As reported on Monday, Strikeforce would like to put together a rematch between Coenen and Cindy “Battlecat” Dandois at 145 pounds in the coming months, though an exact timetable for the proposed fight has not been established. Should that fight materialise, Coenen could face Dandois before challenging for the 135-pound title or the championship fight could be booked first. The winner of the August 13th 135-pound women’s tournament will become the number two contender behind Coenen.
With her options now open at both weights, Coenen will have a wealth of potential challengers, but it remains to be seen how the cut to 135 will affect her. As of just three days ago, Golden Glory and Strikeforce believed that the cut could be too much, but have now apparently adjusted their stance by awarding her the number one contender status at 135. While a title fight at 135 would be welcomed, Coenen is focused on avenging her 2009 loss to Dandois; a fight that Coenen believes that she won.
(Photo Credit: Sherdog.com)
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