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Invicta FC 13 Results: Cyborg, Evinger and Hamasaki Leave Vegas with Belts

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Las Vegas – On Thursday, July 9, Invicta Fighting Championships made its first trip to Nevada to host Invicta FC 13: Cyborg vs. Van Duin from The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The event streamed live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass.

Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino celebrated her 30th birthday with yet another dominant title defense. The Brazilian needed just 45 seconds to put away New Zealand’s Faith Van Duin by TKO. Cyborg was the aggressor throughout, chasing Van Duin around the cage. She wobbled Van Duin with a left hand and followed with a knee that sent Van Duin crashing to the mat and end the fight.

The bantamweight belt is vacant no more as Tonya Evinger dominated Mexico’s Irene Aldana from the opening bell. Evinger caught a kick and brought the fight to the mat. After a scramble, she mounted Aldana and began raining punches. When Aldana tried to escape, Evinger locked up a deep armbar. Aldana showcased a ton of heart and refused to tap. The punishment from Evinger continued in the second and third rounds, as she battered the face of the Mexican fighter. The pace slowed in round four, but Evinger’s dominance continued. A series of heavy blows was enough to force the referee to intervene and hand Evinger the TKO win.

There’s a new champion in the atomweight division as Japan’s Ayaka Hamasaki used a strong grappling game to outwork Brazil’s Herica Tiburcio and earn a split decision win. Hamasaki attacked with flurries of punches before turning to her takedown game. Tiburcio rocked her with a body kick and looked for a guillotine choke, but Hamasaki survived. As the fight progressed, Hamasaki’s takedowns came with more and more ease. Tiburcio remained active from her back, but Hamasaki’s top control was simply too much. Hamasaki became the first Japanese champion in the promotion’s history.

Debuting bantamweights Pannie Kianzad and Jessica-Rose Clark went to war for three rounds, with Sweden’s Kianzad walking away with a clear-cut unanimous decision win. Kianzad was clearly the more technical striker throughout, landing her left hook at will. She mixed in takedowns and was forced to defend an armbar attempt from Clark in round two. As the fight progressed, Kianzad continue to pour it on with punches and kept her perfect record intact.

Amber Brown sent a big message to the atomweight division, becoming the first fighter to defeat Ireland’s Catherine Costigan. Brown marched forward and closed the distance immediately. She powered Costigan to the mat with a trip and landed in mount. Heavy elbows from Brown forced Costigan to give up her back and Brown sunk in a fight-finishing rear-naked choke.

Strawweights Jamie Moyle and Amy Montenegro battled back-and-forth for three rounds, with Moyle eking out a split decision win in her hometown. Moyle scored early with a takedown and took Montenegro’s back, but could not secure a submission. Montenegro answered back with counter shots and pushed the fight against the cage. Moyle’s combinations were the difference as she claimed the nod from the judges.

Making her professional debut, featherweight Amber Leibrock stopped decorated judoka Marina Shafir in just 37 seconds. Leibrock delivered a pair of right hands that dropped Shafir and she followed up with more punches on the ground to earn the TKO.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino def. Faith Van Duin by TKO (punches). Round 1, 0:45 – for featherweight title
Tonya Evinger def. Irene Aldana by TKO (strikes). Round 4, 4:38 – for bantamweight title
Ayaka Hamasaki def. Herica Tiburcio by split decision (47-48, 48-47, 49-46) – for atomweight title
Pannie Kianzad def. Jessica-Rose Clark by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Amber Brown def. Catherine Costigan by submission (rear-naked choke). Round 1, 3:34
Jamie Moyle def. Amy Montenegro by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Amber Leibrock def. Marina Shafir by TKO (punches). Round 1, 0:37

About Invicta FC:

Invicta Fighting Championships is a world championship, all-pro mixed martial arts (MMA) fight series dedicated to providing female athletes with a major platform to hone their skills on a consistent basis. Founded in 2012 by longtime MMA executive Shannon Knapp, Invicta is committed to pioneering the future growth of women’s MMA by promoting the best possible match-ups between female competitors and identifying and developing future superstars of the sport. For more information, visit InvictaFC.com, follow Invicta on Twitter (@InvictaFights) and like Invicta on Facebook (Facebook.com/InvictaFights).

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Invicta FC 13 Official for Las Vegas on July 9

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Kansas City, Mo. — Invicta Fighting Championships is headed to Las Vegas with a championship tripleheader.

The promotion will make its first trip to Nevada on Thursday, July 9, as part of International Fight Week. The event takes place from The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan and will stream live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass.

Headlining the event will be a featherweight title fight between champion Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino (13-1, 1 NC) and New Zealand’s Faith Van Duin (5-1). Cyborg successfully defended her 145-pound title at Invicta FC 11, stopping Canadian Charmaine Tweet in 46 seconds. The win marked the Brazilian’s third straight finish inside the Invicta cage. Van Duin made her promotional debut at Invicta FC 12 in April and submitted Amanda Bell in the second round with a schoolyard choke.

In the night’s co-main event, a new bantamweight champion will be crowned as Tonya Evinger (15-5) locks horns with Mexico’s Irene Aldana (5-1). Evinger enters the title affair riding a six-fight winning streak, including three straight in the Invicta cage. Aldana, meanwhile, has scored back-to-back first-round stoppages over Peggy Morgan and Colleen Schneider under the Invicta banner.

Also slated for the July event is an atomweight title fight between Brazilian champion Herica Tiburcio (9-2) and Japan’s Ayaka Hamasaki (11-1). The pair were originally expected to meet at Invicta FC 9 last fall, but when that fell through, Tiburcio submitted Michelle Waterson at Invicta FC 1o to capture the 105-pound strap.

The full seven-fight card for Invicta FC 13 can be found below:

Featherweight Title: Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino (13-1, 1 NC) vs. Faith Van Duin (5-1)
Bantamweight Title: Tonya Evinger (15-5) vs. Irene Aldana (5-1)
Atomweight Title: Herica Tiburcio (9-2) vs. Ayaka Hamasaki (11-1)
Bantamweight: Pannie Kianzad (7-0) vs. Jessica-Rose Clark (5-1)
Atomweight: Amber Brown (4-1) vs. Catherine Costigan (5-0)
Strawweight: Amy Montenegro (6-1) vs. Jamie Moyle (2-0)
Featherweight: Marina Shafir (1-1) vs. Amber Leibrock (0-0)

Tickets for Invicta FC 13 will be available through Ticketmaster.

About Invicta FC:

Invicta Fighting Championships is a world championship, all-pro mixed martial arts (MMA) fight series dedicated to providing female athletes with a major platform to hone their skills on a consistent basis. Founded in 2012 by longtime MMA executive Shannon Knapp, Invicta is committed to pioneering the future growth of women’s MMA by promoting the best possible match-ups between female competitors and identifying and developing future superstars of the sport. For more information, visit InvictaFC.com, follow Invicta on Twitter (@InvictaFights) and like Invicta on Facebook (Facebook.com/InvictaFights).

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Invicta FC 10 Results: Herica Tiburcio Submits Michelle Waterson, Claims Atomweight Championship

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On Friday, Dec. 5, Invicta Fighting Championships hosted Invicta FC 10: Waterson vs. Tiburcio from the Arena Theatre in Houston. The eight-fight event streamed live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass.

The night’s main event saw the atomweight championship change hands as Brazil’s Herica Tiburcio submitted Michelle Waterson in the third round via guillotine choke. Tiburcio was aggressive from the beginning of the fight. She caught a kick from Waterson and took the fight to the ground. Waterson countered with an armbar from her back, but Tiburcio escaped. Tiburcio attacked with a guillotine choke, but Waterson scored a takedown and moved into mount late in the frame. Waterson was able to get the fight to the ground early in round two, but Tiburcio used a leg lock to get the top position. Waterson was able to regain the top position, but Tiburcio attacked Waterson’s arm along the fence. Waterson refused to tap as the round came to a close. In round three, Waterson missed a hook kick and Tiburcio planted her on the ground. She locked up a guillotine choke and rolled to her back, forcing Waterson to submit.

In the co-main event, bantamweight Tonya Evinger earned her second straight armbar victory, submitting Cindy Dandois in the second round. Evinger came out throwing big shots, prompting Dandois to look for a takedown. Evinger ended up on top and quickly moved to the crucifix. She dropped heavy left hands from the top, which caused Dandois to give up her back. Evinger sought the TKO finish, but Dandois survived the stanza. In round two, Dandois immediately shot for a takedown, but again it was Evinger that claimed the dominant position. She took the back of Dandois, transitioned for the armbar and forced the tap.

Veteran Roxanne Modafferi handed Andrea Lee the first loss of her career via split decision. Lee scored early and often with her striking, but Modafferi was able to close the distance and get the fight to the ground. Lee fought hard to get back to her feet, but Modafferi stuck to her like glue. In round two, Lee absorbed a head kick from Modafferi before being taken down once again. However, Lee was able to move to mount briefly before the round closed. The last round saw Modafferi work hard for the finish, taking Lee’s back and raining punches. When it was all said and done, Modafferi got the nod on the scorecards.

Flyweight DeAnna Bennett remained undefeated, earning a hard-fought decision over Brazil’s Jennifer Maia. Bennett landed with her hands early in the fight, slowing Maia’s forward advance. Maia responded by pressing Bennett against the cage. Bennett was able to break free and score with body kicks. Maia marched forward as the fight progressed, but it wasn’t enough, as Bennett earned the win.

Peggy Morgan made a successful return to the featherweight division, outlasting newcomer Andria Wawro. Morgan used her length early, keeping Wawro at range. Wawro returned fire, landing numerous overhand rights. Morgan absorbed the shots and continued to score with punches, taking home the unanimous decision win.

Mexico’s Alexa Grasso remained undefeated and sent a message to the rest of the strawweight division, earning a violent, first-round TKO over Alida Gray. Grasso stunned Gray early with punches. A big shot from Grasso sent Gray to the canvas and Grasso flurried for the finish.

Atomweight Jinh Yu Frey scored a dominant, first-round submission win in the night’s second bout. Frey took the back of opponent Cassie Robb and coerced a tap at the midway point of the opening frame.

The night kicked off with a flyweight contest between promotional newcomers Rachael Ostovich and Evva Johnson. Ostovich scored with power punches and well-timed takedowns to overcome Johnson’s submission attempts and claim the split decision win.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Herica Tiburcio def. Michelle Waterson by submission (guillotine choke). Round 3, 1:04 – for atomweight title
Tonya Evinger def. Cindy Dandois by submission (armbar). Round 2, 1:23
Roxanne Modafferi def. Andrea Lee by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
DeAnna Bennett def. Jennifer Maia by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Peggy Morgan def. Andria Wawro by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Alexa Grasso def. Alida Gray by TKO (punches). Round 1, 1:47
Jinh Yu Frey def. Cassie Robb by submission (rear-naked choke). Round 1, 2:36
Rachael Ostovich def. Evva Johnson by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

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Herica Tiburcio: A Record-Setting Performance

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Twenty-nine years: the average age of the seven women who have worn Invicta gold around their waists at the time they captured the belt.

Twenty-two years: the age of Herica Tiburcio when she makes her promotional debut on Dec. 5 at Invicta FC 10 in Houston.

The Brazilian will challenge current atomweight champion Michelle Waterson for the 105-pound title in the night’s main event live on UFC Fight Pass.

“I believe there is no age to be a champion,” Tiburcio proclaimed. “Jon Jones was a very young champion in the UFC and I want to be the youngest Invicta FC champion.”

The native of Bragança Paulista, which lies roughly an hour’s drive north of São Paulo, was originally tabbed to face Ayaka Hamasaki at Invicta FC 9 in November. However, due to issues with the visa process in her native Brazil, she was forced out of the bout. Little did she know that the unfortunate circumstances would be a blessing in disguise.

“I was disappointed,” recalled Tiburcio of the cancellation. “But sometimes bad things comes for better things in the future. I believe in God and I put everything in his hands. Look at the outcome: a title fight.”

With the stakes raised for her debut, it would be easy to understand if Tiburcio was battling nerves in anticipation of her first bout in the United States. Yet, the Gato Team/Inside Gold Team/Barbosa B9 fighter remains largely unfazed by the change.

“I’m a bit nervous, yes, but my happiness is much bigger,” quipped the Brazilian. “Whatever Shannon [Knapp] and Julie [Kedzie] wants me to do, I will. I have never chosen a fight in my whole life. I’ll fight anyone, anywhere.

“I’m very glad that I’m making my debut in a title fight. I’m very prepared.”

Although Tiburcio may be six years younger than champion Waterson, the Brazilian doesn’t lack experience. She’s already competed 10 times as a professional in her home country, winning eight times. And of those eight career victories, six have come by either armbar or guillotine choke. Similarly, Waterson has earned seven of her 12 career wins on the ground.

“I trust a lot in my BJJ, and her submission wins don’t affect me,” Tiburcio declared of her match-up with the champion.

Despite her confidence on the mat, Tiburcio isn’t underestimating the reigning queen of the 105-pound division. With both fighters possessing proven ground prowess, a battle on the mat would seem inevitable when the cage door shuts in Houston. However, Tiburcio is expecting Waterson to live up to her moniker of “The Karate Hottie.”

“She is the champion for one reason: she is very good,” admitted the challenger. “I guarantee there will be a lot of striking in this fight.”

Tiburcio may be a new face to Invicta FC, but it’s no surprise that she’s undeterred by her clash with the champion. After all, she’s spent a large portion of her career competing outside her natural weight class, even squaring off against former Invicta No. 1 contender Claudia Gadelha in her native Brazil.

“Most of my fights were at 115 [pounds], but I feel that 105 is a better weight class for me. I’m feeling very good, and I’ll be very strong on the day of the fight,” she predicted.

Just the opportunity to compete under the Invicta banner is something that Tiburcio is relishing. She’s determined to make the fans take notice of her presence with the promotion.

“[This is] the realization of my biggest dream. I always wanted to fight for Invicta and I plan to be here for a very long time,” said Tiburcio.

“I promise I’ll fight my heart out on Dec. 5. Count on a war, the ‘Fight of the Night.’”

So what does the young fighter think of her chances at leaving the cage as the youngest champion in promotional history?

“If God wants it, I’ll be the new Invicta FC champion.”

Herica would like to thank God, her family, all of her training partners, her team: Gato Team, Inside Gold Team, Barbosa B9, her manager: Stefano Sartori and all of her fans.

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‘Cyborg’ Justino Injured, Waterson vs. Tiburcio to Headline Invicta FC 10

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Kansas City, Mo. – Invicta Fighting Championships today announced that Cristiane ‘Cyborg’ Justino (12-1) injured her left ankle, suffering a full thickness rupture of the anterior talofibular ligament, and has been forced to withdraw from her scheduled bantamweight debut in the main event of Invicta FC 10 on Dec. 5.

Justino has not competed in MMA since July of 2013 when she defeated Marloes Coenen  (22-6) via fourth-round TKO at Invicta FC 6 to capture the Invicta FC Featherweight Championship.

Invicta FC Atomweight Champion Michelle Waterson (12-3) now headlines Invicta FC 10 when she faces Brazilian challenger Herica Tiburcio (8-2).

Waterson is coming off the first defense of her title, a TKO victory over Yasuko Tamada (15-9) in September. The win marked the champion’s 10th finish in 12 career victories.

Tiburcio, currently riding a three-fight winning streak, was slated to make her promotional debut at Invicta FC 9, but visa issues forced her off the card. Six of the 22-year-old challenger’s career wins have come via submission.

Invicta FC 10 will take place from the Arena Theatre in Houston on Friday, Dec. 5. Tickets for the event go on sale Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 10 a.m. CT and can be purchased at the venue box office, via charge-by-phone by calling 713-772-5900 or online at arenahouston.com.

Additional bouts for the event will be announced in the coming weeks.

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Fighting Words: Herica Tiburcio

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Aiming to make an impressive Invicta debut, Brazil’s Herica Tiburcio is ready to launch herself to the top of the Invicta FC Atomweight division with a win over Ayaka Hamasaki November 1st at Invicta FC 9.

 

 

Corey Smith: Other than soccer, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu seems to be the most popular sport in your home country of Brazil. You took up BJJ at age fifteen. How did that come about? What was the first year of training like for you?

Herica Tiburcio: Before I started training I didn’t understand what Jiu Jitsu was all about, but when I started I could feel how amazing it is. It’s wonderful the details of each position, the adjustments, the submissions. Since the first day I never stopped.

 

 

CS: How soon after you began training BJJ did you transition over to other martial arts? And how long before you accepted your first fight?

HT: 2 years after I started Jiu Jitsu I went to Muay Thai. And after that I started to train MMA. My first fight didn’t take too long and I used my BJJ to submit the fighter.

 

 

CS: After signing with Invicta FC, what goals do you have within the organization? How has your experience been like thus far with the company?

HT: It was a dream come true when my manager called me and said I would be a Invicta fighter. But my dream is not only being an Invicta fighter – I want to make a impressive debut, grow inside the organization and I want my divisional belt.

 

 

CS: Invicta FC 9 will mark your first bout outside of Brazil. Are you anticipating any additional difficulties fighting in America? Any teammates give you advice about fighting overseas?

HT: I fought the very best Brazilian MMA fighters, I’ve fought two weight classes over mine a few times,  and I’ve already fought on television; I’m ready for this next step.

 

 

CS: Ayaka Hamasaki, your opponent at Invicta FC 9 November 1st, brings a wealth of experience with her into the cage. What do you believe will be the key to your matchup?

HT: The key is never surrender the key is my heart. I don’t care who my opponent is. I know Ayaka is tough, experienced, but I’m also a very tough fighter.

 

 

CS: What is your mood on fight night? Do you have any routines or superstitions that you have to perform?

HT: I don’t really believe in superstition. I am always happy on the day of my fights. Training for 2 months, cutting weight is the worst part. The fight day is the happiest day.

 

 

CS: Who generally accompanies you to the cage? What type of feedback and coaching do you prefer from your corners?

HT: Munil Adriano, Sergio “Gato” and Fernando Neguinho. They know me and my game, so they know what advices to give me and also they know when it’s time to motivate me out there.

 

 

CS: Aside from fight preparation, how much MMA do you watch purely for enjoyment?

HT: I always watch MMA, especially WMMA.

 

 

CS: Outside of the gym and MMA, what types of activities do you enjoy for fun? What helps you to relax?

HT: I like to be with my friends, talking and laughing.

 

 

CS: Lastly, MMA takes a team to succeed alone inside the cage. Who would you like to thank?

HT: My BJJ trainer Sergio “Gato”, my headcoach Munil Adriano, Jorge Macaco, my manager Stefano Sartori, and all my teammates, friends and family.

 

Invicta FC 9 takes place November 1st live from the  RiverCenter in Davenport, Iowa.

Tickets are on sale via the Ticketmaster link below.

The full card will air live via UFC Fight Pass. Click below to subscribe to UFC FightPass.

 

 

 

 

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