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Let's just go ahead and state the obvious.
When you want Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Women's Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey to defend her 135-pound title at UFC 168, and the only opponent you can find is Miesha Tate, someone she's already finished in the first round (and who is also coming off a loss), chances are you have a small division.
Which means you need to land a big free agent.
Look no further than Russian import Aleksandra Albu, who according to a report from Fighters Only, has inked an exclusive contract earlier this week. A date and venue for her Octagon debut has not been announced; however, it should be noted that the promotion has plans to invade Moscow in 2014.
Here's what you can expect from "Stitch."
Shit just got real.
Albu, a former bodybuilder and competitive powerlifter, is a Russian National Champion in Karate-Do through IJKA (International Japan Karate-Do Association) and bronze medalist in the European Championships. "Stitch" is also an accomplished Judo practitioner with a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) record of 5-0 according to her Red Fury fight camp.
I know it's early, but with Albu making her way stateside, in addition to a new crop of female fighters emerging from The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 17, it's an exciting time to be a fan of Women's MMA.