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Gina Begley Steps In For Injured Roma Pawelek at Invicta FC 12

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Kansas City, Mo. – Invicta Fighting Championships today announced a change to the fight card for Invicta FC 12, which takes place Friday, April 24, from the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.

Flyweight Roma Pawelek (1-0) has suffered an injury in training and is out of her preliminary card bout against Sijara Eubanks (0-0).

Stepping in for Pawelek on just a week’s notice will be promotional newcomer Gina Begley (0-0). The Kentucky fighter, who trains out of AFS Academy, will be making her pro debut. The bout with Eubanks will now be contested at bantamweight.

Invicta FC 12 will stream live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass. In the night’s main event, strawweight champion Katja Kankaanpää (10-1-1) will look to defend her title for the first time against unbeaten Brazilian Livia Renata Souza (7-0).

The updated fight card for Invicta FC 12 can be found below:

Strawweight Title: Katja Kankaanpää (10-1-1) vs. Livia Renata Souza (7-0)
Flyweight: Roxanne Modafferi (17-11) vs. Vanessa Porto (17-6)
Featherweight: Amanda Bell (3-2) vs. Faith Van Duin (4-1)
Bantamweight: Ediane Gomes (10-3) vs. Raquel Pa’aluhi (4-4)
Featherweight: Peggy Morgan (3-2) vs. Latoya Walker (4-0)
Strawweight: Lacey Schuckman (10-8) vs. Jenny Liou (3-1)
Atomweight: Cassie Rodish (5-4) vs. Stephanie Skinner (4-5)
Strawweight: Delaney Owen (3-1) vs. Sharon Jacobson (2-1)
Flyweight: Shannon Sinn (1-2) vs. Maureen Riordon (0-1)
Bantamweight: Gina Begley (0-0) vs. Sijara Eubanks (0-0)

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 Bantamweight Division Adds England’s Laura Howarth

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Kansas City, Mo. — There’s another new face in the Invicta FC bantamweight division.

England’s Laura Howarth (2-1) is the latest fighter to sign with the promotion.

“Signing for Invicta was always going to happen, it was simply a question of time until I made it,” said the British fighter. “I’m really excited to show the Invicta fans what I can really do. I feel energized, focused and ready to lay the mother of all beatings on some Invicta fighters.”

Training out of GYM01 in Portsmouth, Howarth is a veteran of The Ultimate Fighter 18 and has compiled an unblemished kickboxing record in addition to her work in the cage. “Hot Head” will quickly look to make her mark on the 135-pound division in 2015.

“I set goals and I always achieve them,” she declared. “I honestly believe it is only a matter of time before the 135-pound belt is strapped around my waist.

“So for all the 135-pounders out there who think they can beat me, please step up. I’m coming for the belt and no one will stop me from taking it.”

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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Irish Atomweight Catherine Costigan Joins Invicta FC

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Kansas City, Mo. — The Invicta FC atomweight division continues to grow.

The promotion has signed Ireland’s Catherine Costigan (5-0) to compete in the 105-pound division. The 35-year-old has secured four of her five wins via submission, including an armbar finish of Noelia Molina in her last outing.

“I’m excited and determined to fight for Invicta,” said Costigan. “I plan on having the atomweight belt around my waist by 2016.”

Training out of Pankration Kickboxing Academy, the Limerick-based fighter is eager to put on a show for the fans.

“[They can expect] a spectacle of efficient violence and edge of the seat performances,” declared the former national kickboxing champion.

Costigan is anxious to get to work in the Invicta cage in 2015 and has a message for the rest of the women in her division.

“When they enter the cage with me,  they should expect that it’s going to be their hardest fight both technically and mentally.”

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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Brazil’s Janaisa Morandin Added to Invicta Atomweight Division

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Kansas City, Mo. — The Invicta FC 105-pound division has added another new face.

Joining the promotion is undefeated Brazilian Janaisa Morandin (7-0). The native of Rio Grande do Sul has been competing professionally since 2013, racking up four finishes while competing in her home country.

“Ever since I watched Invicta for the first time, I knew it was exactly where I wanted to be,” declared the fighter. “I am so happy!”

Morandin was last in action against Arielle Souza in October, scoring her fifth win of 2014.

“I want everyone from Invicta to be proud of signing me,” said Morandin. “I want the fans to have me as their favorite fighter. I am willing to bring great performances to the Invicta cage. You all can expect to see sweat, blood, tears and a big smile on my face as it all comes out!”

Dubbed “Evil Princess,” the fighter has a message for her peers in the 105-pound weight class.

“I know Invicta has the very best female fighters in the world, so it is already a great achievement to be among you all,” said the Brazilian. “I respect you all a lot, but once the door is closed behind us, I will try my best to make you regret being there with me. I am bringing it all and I hope you are ready!”

Look for Morandin’s debut in 2015.

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 12: Kankaanpää vs. Souza Full Fight Card

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Kansas City, Mo. – Invicta Fighting Championships today announced the entire fight card for Invicta FC 12, which will stream live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass on Friday, April 24, from the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.

Headlining the event will be a strawweight title fight between Katja Kankaanpää (10-1-1) and Livia Renata Souza (7-0).

Finland’s Kankaanpää captured Invicta gold at Invicta FC 8 in September with a fifth-round submission win over Stephanie Eggink. The 33-year-old has amassed 10 wins in her 12 career fights and will look to defend her 115-pound belt for the first time.

The Brazilian Souza will enter the contest with an unblemished record. Six of the 24-year-old’s wins have come via submission, including five in the first round. The fight with Kankaanpää will also be Souza’s promotional debut.

In the night’s co-main event, flyweight Roxanne Modafferi (17-11) will square off with Brazilian Vanessa Porto (17-6). The pair met previously in 2008, with Modafferi earning a third-round TKO victory. Modafferi has earned back-to-back wins inside the Invicta cage, earning decisions over Tara LaRosa and Andrea Lee. Porto, who challenged for the Invicta title at Invicta FC 5, also rides a two-fight winning streak, including a decision win over Zoila Frausto at Invicta FC 7.

The full 10-fight card for Invicta FC 12 can be found below:

Strawweight Title: Katja Kankaanpää (10-1-1) vs. Livia Renata Souza (7-0)
Flyweight: Roxanne Modafferi (17-11) vs. Vanessa Porto (17-6)
Featherweight: Amanda Bell (3-2) vs. Faith Van Duin (4-1)
Bantamweight: Ediane Gomes (10-3) vs. Raquel Pa’aluhi (4-4)
Featherweight: Peggy Morgan (3-2) vs. Latoya Walker (4-0)
Strawweight: Lacey Schuckman (10-8) vs. Jenny Liou (3-1)
Atomweight: Cassie Rodish (5-4) vs. Stephanie Skinner (4-5)
Strawweight: Delaney Owen (3-1) vs. Sharon Jacobson (2-1)
Flyweight: Shannon Sinn (1-2) vs. Maureen Riordon (0-1)
Flyweight: Roma Pawelek (1-0) vs. Sijara Eubanks (0-0)

Tickets for Invicta FC 12 will be available for sale tomorrow, March 27, at 10 a.m. CDT at Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, and the Municipal Auditorium box office.

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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Pannie Kianzad Joins Invicta Bantamweight Roster

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Kansas City, Mo. — Invicta Fighting Championships today announced a new addition to its bantamweight ranks.

Undefeated fighter Pannie “Banzai” Kianzad (7-0) has joined the promotion to compete in the 135-pound division. The 23-year-old was born in Iran, but grew up in Sweden. She competed as an amateur boxer during her teenage years before switching her attention to MMA and turning pro in 2012.

Fighting out of Rumble Sports in Copenhagen, Denmark, Kianzad has already beaten the likes of Milana Dudieva and Annalisa Bucci while competing in Europe. Three of her seven career wins have come via TKO. In her most recent outing, she captured the Cage Warriors bantamweight title by defeating Eeva Siiskonen.

Look for Kianzad to make her Invicta debut in 2015.

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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Three Bouts Added to Invicta FC 12 Lineup

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Kansas City, Mo. — Invicta Fighting Championships has added three new bouts to Invicta FC 12 which takes place Friday, April 24 from the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.

In the night’s co-main event, flyweight Roxanne Modafferi (17-11) will square off with Brazilian Vanessa Porto (17-6). The pair met previously in 2008, with Modafferi earning a third-round TKO victory. Modafferi has earned back-to-back wins inside the Invicta cage, earning decisions over Tara LaRosa and Andrea Lee. Porto, who challenged for the Invicta title at Invicta FC 5, also rides a two-fight winning streak, including a decision win over Zoila Frausto at Invicta FC 7.

Joining the Modafferi-Porto fight will be two featherweight contests. New Zealand’s Faith Van Duin (4-1) will make her promotional debut against the resurgent Amanda Bell (3-2), while Peggy Morgan (3-2) returns to welcome Latoya Walker (4-0) to the promotion.

Invicta FC 12 will stream live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass. Headlining the event will be a strawweight title fight between Finland’s Katja Kankaanpää (10-1-1) and Brazil’s Livia Renata Souza (7-0).

Ticket information and additional bouts for Invicta FC 12 will be announced at a later date.

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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Kansas City Hosts Invicta FC 12 on April 24

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Kansas City, Mo. — Invicta Fighting Championships today announced the new date and location of its next event.

Invicta FC 12 will take place Friday, April 24 from the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. The event will stream live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass. Headlining the event will be a strawweight title fight between Katja Kankaanpää (10-1-1) and Livia Renata Souza (7-0).

Finland’s Kankaanpää captured Invicta gold at Invicta FC 8 in September with a fifth-round submission win over Stephanie Eggink. The 33-year-old has amassed 10 wins in her 12 career fights and will look to defend her 115-pound belt for the first time.

The Brazilian Souza will enter the contest with an unblemished record. Six of the 24-year-old’s wins have come via submission, including five in the first round. The fight with Kankaanpää will also be Souza’s promotional debut.

Ticket information and additional bouts for Invicta FC 12 will be announced at a later date.

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 Visits Las Vegas on July 9, Cristiane ‘Cyborg’ Justino Headlines

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Kansas City, Mo. — Invicta Fighting Championships is headed to Las Vegas.

The promotion will make its first trip to Nevada on Thursday, July 9, as part of International Fight Week. The event will stream live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass. Headlining the event will be a featherweight title fight between champion Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino and a yet-to-be-determined challenger.

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.

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

Additional information about the event will be released in the coming months.

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 11 Results: Cyborg Stops Tweet to Retain Title, Grasso Edges Inoue

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Los Angeles — Invicta Fighting Championships returned to action on Friday, Feb. 27, for Invicta FC 11: Cyborg vs. Tweet. The event took place from the Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles. The eight-fight event streamed live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass.

In the headline bout, Invicta FC featherweight champion Cristiane ‘Cyborg’ Justino put her belt on the line against Canadian challenger Charmaine ‘Not So Sweet’ Tweet. Cyborg needed just 46 seconds to dispatch of the challenger with punches. The Brazilian connected with a massive left hook that sent Tweet crashing to the mat. Cyborg dropped heavy shots from the top that bloodied the face of Tweet. When Tweet tried to stand, Cyborg landed another heavy shot and referee Herb Dean stepped in to halt the contest.

Mexico’s Alexa Grasso and Japan’s Mizuki Inoue put on a show in the night’s co-main event. Grasso put together beautiful combinations on the feet, bloodying the nose of Inoue in round one. Grasso added kicks at the end of her flurries, turning the lead leg of Inoue red. When Inoue looked to take the fight to the ground in round two, Grasso attacked with an inverted triangle-kimura. Inoue went for a finish in round three, putting Grasso on her back and landing heavy shots. In the end, it wasn’t enough, as Grasso earned the decision win and kept her unbeaten record intact.

Making her strawweight debut, DeAnna Bennett remained undefeated with a hard-fought decision win over Norma Rueda Center. Bennett scored with combinations on the feet early, but used strong clinch work to control the action in the later rounds and claim victory.

Mexican bantamweight Irene Aldana picked up her second straight, first-round finish by rear-naked choke, submitting veteran Colleen Schneider. Aldana took advantage when Schneider tripped on the cage and immediately went for the finish. She took the back of Schneider and coerced the tap in just 65 seconds.

Jamie Moyle moved to 2-0 as a professional by choking opponent J.J. Aldrich unconscious with a first-round rear-naked choke. Moyle caught a kick from Aldrich and brought the fight to the ground. Once there, she took Aldrich’s back and secured the fight-finishing choke.

Strawweights Amy Montenegro and Brianna Van Buren battled hard for three rounds, with Montenegro emerging with a unanimous decision win. The pair traded dominant positions and submission attempts early, but it was Montenegro’s control from the clinch that proved to be the difference, as she earned the win on the scorecards.

Christine Stanley wasted little time in her Invicta debut, stopping late-notice opponent Laura Salazar by first-round TKO. Stanley rocked Salazar early, but Salazar showed heart and took the fight to the ground. Stanley scored with vicious elbows to earn the finish.

In a match-up between two flyweights making their pro debuts, Aspen Ladd bested Ana Carolina Vidal by first-round TKO. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Vidal took the fight to the ground quickly, but Ladd reversed the position and scored with heavy punches from the top to earn the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino def. Charmaine Tweet by TKO (punches). Round 1, 0:46 – for featherweight title
Alexa Grasso def. Mizuki Inoue by unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-28)
DeAnna Bennett def. Norma Rueda Center by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Irene Aldana def. Colleen Schneider by submission (rear-naked choke). Round 1, 1:05
Jamie Moyle def. J.J. Aldrich by technical submission (rear-naked choke). Round 1, 2:20
Amy Montenegro def. Brianna Van Buren by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Christine Stanley def. Laura Salazar by TKO (strikes). Round 1, 2:59
Aspen Ladd def. Ana Carolina Vidal by TKO (strikes). Round 1, 4:21

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).