Roxanne Modafferi cut by Strikeforce following failed title attempt

In a cruel and unusual turn of events, strikeforce has released former title challenger and top-10 female fighter, Roxanne Modaferri.

The promotion has done an admirable job with building female fighters, case in point Cristiane Santos who is more affectionately known simply as “Cyborg”, but their most recent move has left a few people scratching at the head with a profoundly ignorant look on their faces.

MMAfighting.com has picked up the story, which comes directly from Modafferi’s own words, citing that she has only just recently learned of the news that the San Jose based promotion has released her from contract.

Signed in November of 2009, Roxanne opened up her career with the promotion with a loss to future 135-pound champion, Marloes Coenen. The Dutch fighter was able to submit Roxanne inside of the first round with an armbar. It marked the second time both had met, with Modafferi earning a split-decision win.

After consecutive wins over Molly Helsel and former pound-for-pound female best in Tara LaRosa outside of the Strikeforce banner, Roxanne returned to the big show in line for a title fight against then champion, Sarah Kaufman. At the time, Kaufman was undefeated 11 victories, with 8 of those wins have ended due to strikes. Sarah eventually slammed Roxanne to the mat, knocking her unconscious and declaring Kaufman the winner.

“I’m pretty bummed out,” Modafferi said in her personal blog post on Myspace (how ancient) in regards to the news of her release.

“There are still women I want to fight in that organization! But I really had an amazing time. I can’t discount these experiences … they were so valuable for me, and enriched my life.”

It’s surprising, in that, Roxanne has only lost to champion’s inside the promotion and remains a dangerous opponent for anyone she faces. It’ll be interesting to see where goes from here.

So, MMA peeps, do you agree with the news? Should Roxanne have been ousted? Two losses in the promotion, I could see the negative there, but against Kaufman and Coenen? I think there’s something to be said there. Sound off in the comment section below.