Kaufman-Modafferi, Del Rosario-Mahe Set for July 23 Strikeforce Challengers

Sarah Kaufman will defend her 135-pound women’s title against veteran Roxanne Modafferi in a co-main attraction at Strikeforce Challengers 9 at the Comcast Arena in Everett, Wash., the promotion announced on Thursday.

A heavyweight bout between undefeated Shane del Rosario and Lolohea Mahe will serve as the main event, while heavyweights Mike Kyle and Ron Humphrey will also face off on the card.

Victoria, British Columbia’s Kaufman was crowned the promotion’s 135-pound women’s champion following a commanding unanimous decision win over Takayo Hashi at Strikeforce Challengers 6 last February. The 24-year-old striker carries an unblemished 11-0 pro record with 8 of those victories coming by way of strikes.

Modafferi, who lives and trains in Japan, earned a split decision over the perennial Tara LaRosa at Moosin “God of Martial Arts” on May 21 in Worcester, Mass. The three-round tilt has been regarded as one of the standout female bouts of 2010.

A ShoXC and M-1 Challenge veteran, Del Rosario submitted Brandon Cash with an omoplata at Strikeforce Challengers 4 in November. Mahe lost to returning Lavar Johnson via second-round technical knockout at Strikeforce Challengers 7 in March.

American Kickboxing Academy’s Kyle rides back into the promotion on a four-fight win streak, which includes victories over EliteXC veteran Jon Murphy and Sengoku’s Travis Wuiff. Humphrey submitted George Bush with a first-round guillotine choke at Strikeforce Challengers 7 in Fresno, Calif.

Strikeforce Challengers 9 will air live on Showtime beginning at 11:00 p.m. EST/PST.