Sarah Kaufman spent months without a fight on the books, but she's suddenly found herself with two bouts scheduled inside a span of fewer than eight weeks.
Kaufman (22-5), originally from Victoria, B.C., stepped back into action during November 2021 and secured a first-round TKO against Jessy Miele at BTC 13. Prior to accepting that bout, she'd already committed to headlining Pallas Athena WFC 1 on January 15 in Calgary, Alta., where she'll face Brazilian contender Claudia Leite (7-2).
"This fight was actually arranged before I agreed to take the November bout," Kaufman told MMA Empire. "They reached out to me back in August or September. I'd been aware of this matchup for quite some time."
"When I signed my last fight, I just wanted to stay active in the cage. I figured I'd have plenty of time between that bout and this one to prepare. I've learned how easily fights can collapse, so I decided to seize the opportunity."
At age 36, Kaufman will step between the ropes competing for the bantamweight championship. The bout will extend five rounds — familiar territory for the Canadian — though Kaufman views it as just another competition.
Kaufman possesses strong self-assurance and, despite knowing little about Leite, remains convinced she can earn a stoppage victory to move her record to 23-5 as a professional fighter.
"All I have to go on is what I see online," Kaufman said. "I know she's fought in Cris Cyborg's promotion, so I imagine she carries some reputation in Brazil. But when they extended the offer, I didn't know who she was."
"Even after I received the offer, I accepted before looking into her. I understand my own abilities well, and I'm not frightened by anyone in this division. She's coming in with genuine intent to fight, which I believe will set up another finish."
A successful stoppage performance on Saturday evening could open the door to a UFC return, according to Kaufman.
Two consecutive victories, both by stoppage, would reinforce her standing among the elite bantamweights currently competing.
"Regional title belts never meant much to me," Kaufman explained. "What matters to me is being regarded as the best fighter in the world. Achieving that requires returning to the UFC, where I believe I belong. I've demonstrated I'm one of the best, and I hope this victory leads me back."
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