MMARising.com: Women’s tournaments have been a central theme so far in 2010. Freestyle Cage Fighting held the first round of their inaugural 135-pound tournament on January 30th and Strikeforce is currently planning for its own tournament in April. Who are some other stars and future contenders in the division that you would like to face in the future?

Sarah: I honestly don’t care who I get to fight as long as I’m fighting. The 135-pound division is littered with amazing athletes and it would be an honour to fight all of them.

MMARising.com: You are a prominent supporter of other female fighters in the division and you have frequently promoted and brought attention to women’s fights and fighters. How important is it to you to maintain the camaraderie among the division as women’s MMA continues to grow?

Sarah: MMA is a professional sport, and we (females) are professional athletes. I am friends or at least friendly acquaintances with nearly every opponent I have faced, and I couldn’t be happier about it. If I can use resources such as my website (SarahKaufman.ca) to help advance the sport for females, then I will gladly do so.

MMARising.com: As you mentioned, you train at one of the top camps in Canada – Zugec Ultimate Martial Arts (ZUMA) in Victoria – alongside your coach Adam Zugec. He has stated that he is enjoying making your life miserable in training so that you will be angry when you step into the cage on the 26th. Will fans finally see a scowl on your face or will you be entering the fight with your trademark beaming smile?

Sarah: I actually told Shayna Baszler that I was going to be serious coming down to the cage for my last fight – and we know that didn’t happen, LOL. I’m sure this fight will be no different. 🙂

MMARising.com: Former top-ranked bantamweight Tara LaRosa vacated her spot atop the division when she dropped down to 125 pounds, but she has stated her intentions to return to 135 in the future to face you. What are your thoughts on a showdown with LaRosa and how do you feel that your style would match up with hers should the fight ever take place?

Sarah: I think that would be a great fight and a great matchup for me if that fight were to ever happen in the future!

MMARising.com: What are some goals of yours for the coming year and where do you see yourself 12 months from now?

Sarah: I would LOVE to be able to fight 4 (or even 5) times this year…but I don’t know if that is too realistic based on my last couple of years. Whatever happens, I just want to keep fighting and improving…and I would like to win the Strikeforce 135-Pound Title on February 26th!

MMARising.com: For newer fans to the sport, what would you most like them to know about Sarah Kaufman?

Sarah: I wasn’t naturally good at Muay Thai, or grappling or wrestling when I first started; therefore, if MMA is a passion that you can’t ignore, and you feel like you have soooo far to go, don’t worry. There is hope for everyone as long as the commitment and dedication is present. Also, fighting is fun…if it ever becomes a job, I will have to retire.

MMARising.com: Do you have any final comments or shout-outs to fans, family or sponsors?

Sarah: Just a huge thank you to everyone who helps to promote females in the sport of MMA. My coach, Adam Zugec, is the best in the world and I would be nowhere without his support. Also, thank you to my strength and conditioning coach, Tyler Goodale, my team at ZUMA Martial Arts, Taking Care of Business (TCB), Performance MMA and Clinch.

Finally, if anyone would like to keep up to date with me, check out my website, SarahKaufman.ca, follow me on Twitter (@mmasarah) or look me up on Facebook.

MMARising.com: Thank you again for taking part in this interview and we wish you all the best for your title fight on February 26th.

Sarah: It is my pleasure, and thank you for all of the work you do in promoting females in the sport.

MMARising.com sincerely thanks Sarah for once again taking time out from training for this interview. We look forward to her Strikeforce Women’s Welterweight Championship bout on February 26th.