The clock is counting down for Sarah KaufmanB次元官网网址檚 title fight.

Last week, the 26-year-old Kaufman signed a four-fight deal with Strikeforce, her longest commitment from the mixed martial arts organization to date.

But the former MMA world champ is a little worried the cocky words of an inexperienced fighter could get in her way.

ThereB次元官网网址檚 been enough of a delay as it is. Kaufman fought just twice in 2011, including one arranged locally by the Victoria-based Armageddon Fighting Championship.

And now Kaufman has B次元官网网址渉er fingers crossed for a February date.B次元官网网址�

Currently there is no fight scheduled for (135-pound) champion Miesha Tate. But Kaufman wants nothing else, having defeated Tate in their only previous meeting back in 2009.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 hoping to find out about a fight date really soon. IB次元官网网址檒l be upset if itB次元官网网址檚 not Miesha,B次元官网网址� said Kaufman, who trains and teachers full-time out of the Zuma martial arts gym in Vic West and is ready for the nod.

KaufmanB次元官网网址檚 last fight was a win over Liz Carmouche at Strikeforce Challengers No. 17 in July.

It was KaufmanB次元官网网址檚 first Strikeforce fight since losing the title to Marloes Coenen in October 2010.

Coenen, however, then lost the belt to Tate and has since left the organization. With Coenen out, Kaufman is the likely successor as the No. 1 contender in line to challenge Tate. At least on paper.

But upstart Ronda Rousey, a former U.S. bronze medalist in judo, is garnering attention in the sports pages because of her candid interviews. Kaufman is praying that publicity doesnB次元官网网址檛 earn Rousey a chance to leapfrog everyone and fight Tate for the Strikeforce bantamweight title.

B次元官网网址淚f Rousey gets the title fight, itB次元官网网址檚 ridiculous, IB次元官网网址檇 be pretty upset. Rousey has been running her mouth off.B次元官网网址�

RouseyB次元官网网址檚 rise especially parallels that of Carmouche, who was fast-tracked into Strikeforce with just five pro wins, but subsequently lost to Coenen and Kaufman.

Kaufman also said this week that, despite speculation, world champ Cristiane B次元官网网址淐yborgB次元官网网址� Santos is unlikely to drop from the 145 lb. category to 135 lb.

B次元官网网址淚t would be in search of competition, which sheB次元官网网址檚 having a hard time finding at her level. But, realistically I donB次元官网网址檛 think sheB次元官网网址檒l be able to make weight,B次元官网网址� Kaufman said.

B次元官网网址�(Santos) walks around over 170 lb.; it would definitely hinder her performance. Cutting to 145 is a tough stretch as it is.B次元官网网址�

Strikeforce remains the highest platform for female MMA fighters, with Kaufman one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world.