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Phoenix Tournament Atomweights Results: Delboni Earns Title Rematch After Three Wins in One Night

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — On Friday, June 11, Invicta FC hosted the fourth installment of its Phoenix Tournament from Memorial Hall in Kansas City. The event featured eight atomweight athletes competing for a shot at reigning Invicta FC atomweight champion Alesha Zappitella. Phoenix Tournament: Atomweights aired live on AXS TV in the U.S. and worldwide on Invicta FC’s YouTube Channel.

The tournament action kicked off with recent title challenger Jéssica Delboni against current champion Alesha Zappitella’s training partner Tabatha “Batgirl” Watkins, who was making her promotional debut. Watkins threw a variety of kicks to open the contest, but Delboni was able to catch one and power her to the mat. Watkins was aggressive from the bottom, attacking with an armbar. Delboni was patient and escaped the submission threat. From side control, Delboni rained punches and hammerfists. When the judges were called upon, it was Brazil’s Delboni who advanced to the semifinals.

In the second quarterfinal match-up New York native Lindsey “Damsel” VanZandt squared off with Invicta newcomer Katie “Maquina Asesina” Perez. VanZandt attacked with kicks to start the bout, hurting Perez to the body. Perez sought a takedown, but ended up on her back. VanZandt allowed the fight to return to the feet. She stunned Perez with a series of left hands that forced her to shoot yet again. VanZandt sprawled, then took the back of Perez. VanZandt slapped on a triangle-armbar. Perez defended initially, but eventually was forced to succumb to the armbar as VanZandt moved to the next round.

Jillian “Lionheart” DeCoursey and Linda “F109” Mihalec met in a rematch of their Invicta FC 39 clash in the night’s third tournament pairing. The pair traded combinations early before DeCoursey caught a leg kick and earned a brief takedown. Mihalec sprung back to her feet and peppered DeCoursey with jabs and inside leg kicks. A big right hand from DeCoursey found its mark. The volume of Mihalec was the difference as she busted the nose of DeCoursey. The judges were split in their verdict, but it was Mihalec who got revenge and earned a trip to the semifinals.

The final quarterfinal bout featured the Invicta debut of Paulina “Firefox” Granados who took on Connecticut’s Marisa “Spider Monkey” Messer-Belenchia. The pace was fast and furious to start the contest as Messer-Belenchia barreled forward and secured the clinch. Granados was able to power into top position, but Messer-Belenchia swept and secured top position. She then transitioned to the back of Granados and looked for a rear-naked choke. Granados was able to defend and work back to her feet. Once back on the feet, both fighters went for broke, landing heavy punches. A right hand from Messer-Belenchia sent Granados to the mat at one point, but Granados was able to recover. The judges were again split in their scores, with Messer-Belenchia claiming the final slot in the semifinals.

In the lone tournament reserve bout, Samantha Seff edged fellow newcomer Kara Vislosky via split decision. Seff marched forward and latched onto Vislosky. She secured a single leg and laced it to bring the fight to the mat. Once on top, Seff was smothering. She stayed busy with short punches to keep Vislosky on her back. Eventually Vislosky was able to return to the feet, but she was unable to mount any significant offense. Seff’s grappling was the difference as she claimed the decision victory.

The semifinals opened with Lindsey VanZandt and Linda Mihalec after VanZandt was able to pick her opponent following her quarterfinal armbar finish. VanZandt was very aggressive, spamming high kicks from both sides to keep Mihalec at range. The variety of techniques made Mihalec tentative and it allowed VanZandt to unload with combinations. As the round progressed, VanZandt found more and more success. Mihalec was desperate for a takedown in the final minute, as she changed levels multiple times. VanZandt easily evaded the attempts and nearly landed a highlight-reel flying knee late in the frame. There was little doubt about the result as VanZandt swept the scorecards and advanced to the tournament final.

Jéssica Delboni inched one step closer to another title shot in the semifinals as she outworked Marisa Messer-Belenchia. Delboni was patient on the outside, landing heavy kicks to the lead leg of Messer-Belenchia. They took their toll as Messer-Belenchia was limited in her movement. Delboni was methodical in her combinations, preventing Messer-Belenchia from generating any striking output. The nose of Messer-Belenchia bled profusely from the steady shots from the Brazilian. Messer-Belenchia looked to clinch late, but it was too little, too late. Delboni punched her ticket to the final with the unanimous-decision win.

In the tournament final, Jéssica Delboni and Lindsey VanZandt faced off for a second time. The pair met at Invicta FC 36 with the Brazilian Delboni winning via split decision. This time, however, the stakes were much higher. The rematch began with Delboni marching forward, but VanZandt scored with strikes from range. Delboni flurried with combinations and backed VanZandt to the fence. VanZandt countered by attacking the body with kicks and punches. The second round was razor-close as both fighters landed with regularity. VanZandt did well to counter off the back foot, hurting Delboni to the body. In the last stanza, it was Delboni who dug deep and pushed the pace. She caught VanZandt with a series of punches along the cage that forced VanZandt to cover up. VanZandt sought a late takedown, but Delboni kept the fight upright. The judges were called upon for a final time and they rewarded Delboni for her efforts, setting up a title rematch with Zappitella.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
Jéssica Delboni def. Lindsey VanZandt by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) – atomweight tournament final
Jéssica Delboni def. Marisa Messer-Belenchia by unanimous decision (10-9 x3) – atomweight tournament semifinal
Lindsey VanZandt def. Linda Mihalec by unanimous decision (10-9 x3) – atomweight tournament semifinal
Samantha Seff def. Kara Vislosky by split decision (9-10, 10-9, 10-9) – atomweight tournament reserve bout
Marisa Messer-Belenchia def. Paulina Granados by split decision (10-9, 9-10, 10-9) – atomweight tournament quarterfinal
Linda Mihalec def. Jillian DeCoursey by split decision (9-10, 10-9, 10-9) – atomweight tournament quarterfinal
Lindsey VanZandt def. Katie Perez by submission (armbar). Round 1, 3:10 – atomweight tournament quarterfinal
Jéssica Delboni def. Tabatha Watkins by unanimous decision (10-9 x3) – atomweight tournament quarterfinal


About Invicta FC:
Invicta Fighting Championships (invictafc.com) 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. Follow Invicta on Twitter (@InvictaFights), Facebook (InvictaFights) and Instagram (@InvictaFC) for all the latest information.

About Anthem Sports & Entertainment, Inc.
Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc. is a globally integrated multi-platform media company with offices and studios in Los Angeles, Denver, Nashville, New York, Kansas City and Toronto. Anthem’s portfolio includes AXS TV, a leading music, entertainment and lifestyle television channel and digital media company; Fight Network, the world’s premier combat sports channel; IMPACT Wrestling, one of the world’s leading wrestling organizations specializing in original programming and live events; Invicta Fighting Championships, the world’s premier all-women mixed martial arts promotion;  Game+, the leader in Esports and gaming content; GameTV, the home of game shows and competition-based reality series; and HDNet Movies, which features theatrically released films and documentaries. Anthem also has a significant ownership interest in Pursuit Channel, one of the top outdoor channels in the U.S.

Invicta FC Phoenix Tournament: Atomweights Official Weigh-in and Fan Voting Results

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — On Thursday, June 10, Invicta Fighting Championships hosted the weigh-ins for Phoenix Tournament: Atomweights. The event takes place Friday, June 11, from Memorial Hall in Kansas City and airs live on AXS TV in the United States and will be available worldwide on Invicta FC’s YouTube Channel.

A shot at reigning Invicta FC atomweight champion Alesha Zappitella is on the line as the fastest-paced format in combat sports makes its return. For the first time in MMA history, online fan voting determined the match-ups for the quarterfinal stage of the tournament.

Recent title challenger Jéssica Delboni (10-3) opens her quest for another crack at gold against Zappitella’s training partner Tabatha “Batgirl” Watkins (3-3), who will make her promotional debut. New York native Lindsey “Damsel” VanZandt (7-4) will square off with Invicta newcomer Katie “Maquina Asesina” Perez (2-1). Jillian “Lionheart” DeCoursey (4-3) and Linda “F109” Mihalec (2-1) meet in a rematch of their Invicta FC 39 clash, which DeCoursey won via decision. Finally, Paulina “Firefox” Granados (4-4) steps into the Invicta cage for the first time against Connecticut’s Marisa “Spider Monkey” Messer-Belenchia (3-1).

Additionally, a tournament reserve match-up will take place between Kara Vislosky (1-1) and Samantha Seff (0-1).

Below are the results of the event’s weigh-ins:

Atomweight Tournament Quarterfinal No. 4: Paulina Granados (105.9) vs. Marisa Messer-Belenchia (105.4)
Atomweight Tournament Quarterfinal No. 3: Jillian DeCoursey (105.5) vs. Linda Mihalec (105.9)
Atomweight Tournament Quarterfinal No. 2: Lindsey VanZandt (105.8) vs. Katie Perez (105.3)
Atomweight Tournament Quarterfinal No. 1: Jéssica Delboni (105.6) vs. Tabatha Watkins (105.8)
Atomweight Tournament Reserve Bout: Kara Vislosky (104.4) vs. Samantha Seff (105.9)


About Invicta FC:
Invicta Fighting Championships (invictafc.com) 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. Follow Invicta on Twitter (@InvictaFights), Facebook (InvictaFights) and Instagram (@InvictaFC) for all the latest information.

About Anthem Sports & Entertainment, Inc.
Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc. is a globally integrated multi-platform media company with offices and studios in Los Angeles, Denver, Nashville, New York, Kansas City and Toronto. Anthem’s portfolio includes AXS TV, a leading music, entertainment and lifestyle television channel and digital media company; Fight Network, the world’s premier combat sports channel; IMPACT Wrestling, one of the world’s leading wrestling organizations specializing in original programming and live events; Invicta Fighting Championships, the world’s premier all-women mixed martial arts promotion;  Game+, the leader in Esports and gaming content; GameTV, the home of game shows and competition-based reality series; and HDNet Movies, which features theatrically released films and documentaries. Anthem also has a significant ownership interest in Pursuit Channel, one of the top outdoor channels in the U.S.

Marisa Messer-Belenchia Replaces Katie Saull in Phoenix Tournament Lineup

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The lineup for Invicta FC Phoenix Tournament: Atomweights has undergone a late change.

Global travel restrictions has forced Canada’s “Queen of the North” Katie Saull (3-4) out of the event. Replacing Saull is fellow Invicta veteran Marisa “Spider Monkey” Messer-Belenchia (3-1).

Connecticut’s Messer-Belenchia is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt who has battled fellow tournament athletes Linda Mihalec and Jillian DeCoursey over her professional and amateur careers.

A shot at reigning Invicta FC atomweight champion Alesha Zappitella is on the line as the fastest-paced format in combat sports returns this Friday, June 11. The event takes place from Memorial Hall in Kansas City and airs live on AXS TV in the United States and will be available worldwide on Invicta FC’s YouTube Channel. To find how to watch the action in your area, click here.

For the first time in MMA history, online fan voting will determine the match-ups for the quarterfinal stage of the tournament. Fans can visit the Phoenix Tournament Voting Portal and vote for the four quarterfinal bouts they want to see.

Phoenix Tournament: Atomweight Participants
Jéssica Delboni
Jillian DeCoursey
Katie Perez
Lindsey VanZandt
Linda Mihalec
Marisa Messer-Belenchia
Paulina Granados
Tabatha Watkins


About Invicta FC:
Invicta Fighting Championships (invictafc.com) 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. Follow Invicta on Twitter (@InvictaFights), Facebook (InvictaFights) and Instagram (@InvictaFC) for all the latest information.

About Anthem Sports & Entertainment, Inc.
Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc. is a globally integrated multi-platform media company with offices and studios in Los Angeles, Denver, Nashville, New York, Kansas City and Toronto. Anthem’s portfolio includes AXS TV, a leading music, entertainment and lifestyle television channel and digital media company; Fight Network, the world’s premier combat sports channel; IMPACT Wrestling, one of the world’s leading wrestling organizations specializing in original programming and live events; Invicta Fighting Championships, the world’s premier all-women mixed martial arts promotion;  Game+, the leader in Esports and gaming content; GameTV, the home of game shows and competition-based reality series; and HDNet Movies, which features theatrically released films and documentaries. Anthem also has a significant ownership interest in Pursuit Channel, one of the top outdoor channels in the U.S.

Fans to Determine Phoenix Tournament Quarterfinal Match-Ups

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – In yet another fan-friendly innovation from Invicta Fighting Championships, the world’s premier all-women MMA promotion is empowering fans to become matchmakers for Invicta FC Phoenix Tournament: Atomweights which takes place Friday, June 11.

Eight atomweight contenders will step into the Invicta cage with one emerging as the new No. 1 contender – but who they fight in the first of potentially three fights in one explosive night will be decided by the fans!

For the first time in MMA history, online fan voting will determine the match-ups for the quarterfinal stage of the tournament. In the previous three Phoenix events, a random draw was used to determine the fighter pairings.

Invicta FC President Shannon Knapp said, “Invicta continues to innovate with the introduction of a fan-matchmaking element for our next Phoenix Tournament. Playing fantasy matchmaker is a big part of MMA fandom, and we’re giving fans the chance to weigh-in on the opening round of a one-night tournament that will crown the new No. 1 Invicta atomweight contender.”

Much like when Invicta experimented with open scoring back in 2019 before committing to it, the promotion is adopting a ‘look-and-see’ approach to the fan voting component for the Phoenix Tournament.

She said, “The Phoenix Tournament format itself is perhaps the biggest MMA innovation in years: the return of single-night tournaments, open scoring, five-minute fights in the quarters and semis before the two finalists meet in a three-rounder. It is a unique format and having fans vote on the initial bracketing is just another wrinkle to what we feel is the most exciting format in combat sports.”

HOW DOES VOTING WORK?

Fans can visit the Phoenix Tournament Voting Portal and vote for the four quarterfinal bouts they want to see. Whichever pairings receive the most votes will be the opening four fights of the tournament, comprising the entire quarterfinal round. Fans can vote multiple times for their favorite match-ups.

For the semifinals, whichever athlete scores the fastest finish in the quarterfinals will get to decide who she faces. As with previous Phoenix Tournaments, if there are no stoppages in the quarterfinals, a random draw will decide which winners face off in the semis.

Voting will be open until one hour before the event’s ceremonial weigh-ins on Thursday, June 10.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE’S A LAST-MINUTE WITHDRAWAL?

In the case of an athlete dropping out of the competition before she has a chance to compete, an alternate will take her place in both the tournament and the voting portal. 

ANY CONCERNS FIGHTERS/CAMPS WILL TRY TO INFLUENCE VOTE?

No. Every athlete who accepts an invitation to compete in a Phoenix Tournament is agreeing to fight three times in one night – that is absolute proof these women will fight anyone, short notice or not. Even if they have a preferred opponent in the quarterfinals, there’s no way influence who wins the fights and makes it to the semifinals and, ultimately, the final. The tournament winner will have to beat three opponents on June 11.

WHAT DOES THE TOURNAMENT WINNER GET?

The winner of the atomweight tournament will wins not only a Phoenix Trophy, but a cash prize and, most importantly, a guaranteed shot at reigning Invicta FC atomweight champion Alesha Zappitella.

HOW CAN I WATCH THE ACTION?

The event will be broadcast on U.S. cable network AXS TV, the Fight Network in Canada and also stream worldwide on Invicta FC’s YouTube Channel.

Phoenix Tournament: Atomweight Athletes
Jéssica Delboni
Jillian DeCoursey
Katie Perez
Katie Saull
Lindsey VanZandt
Linda Mihalec
Paulina Granados
Tabatha Watkins


About Invicta FC:
Invicta Fighting Championships (invictafc.com) 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. Follow Invicta on Twitter (@InvictaFights), Facebook (InvictaFights) and Instagram (@InvictaFC) for all the latest information.

About Anthem Sports & Entertainment, Inc.
Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc. is a globally integrated multi-platform media company with offices and studios in Los Angeles, Denver, Nashville, New York, Kansas City and Toronto. Anthem’s portfolio includes AXS TV, a leading music, entertainment and lifestyle television channel and digital media company; Fight Network, the world’s premier combat sports channel; IMPACT Wrestling, one of the world’s leading wrestling organizations specializing in original programming and live events; Invicta Fighting Championships, the world’s premier all-women mixed martial arts promotion;  Game+, the leader in Esports and gaming content; GameTV, the home of game shows and competition-based reality series; and HDNet Movies, which features theatrically released films and documentaries. Anthem also has a significant ownership interest in Pursuit Channel, one of the top outdoor channels in the U.S.

Phoenix Tournament to Crown New Atomweight Contender on June 11

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – A shot at reigning Invicta FC atomweight champion Alesha Zappitella is on the line as the fastest-paced format in combat sports – The Phoenix Tournament – returns next Friday, June 11. The fourth installment of Invicta FC’s Phoenix Tournament will emanate from Memorial Hall in Kansas City, as eight atomweight contenders will try to win three fights in one explosive night.

Invicta FC Phoenix Tournament©: Atomweights will air live on AXS TV in the United States and will be available worldwide on Invicta FC’s YouTube Channel. To find how to watch the action in your area, click here.

“The Phoenix Tournament is a unique set of challenges to our athletes,” said Invicta FC President Shannon Knapp. “The rapid-fire pace of the one-round quarter- and semifinal matches is totally different to anything else in mixed martial arts. Having to peak not once, not twice but potentially three times against three different opponents is the kind of mental stress only a handful of fighters in MMA history have overcome.

“Whichever fighter comes out victorious on June 11 will have truly earned her shot at the Invicta FC world title.”

Perhaps the favorite to do that is Jéssica Delboni (10-3), who – incredibly – will be back in action just three weeks after pushing the champion Zappitella to split decision. The Brazilian feels she defeated Zappitella and is prepared to fight her way through three other contenders in order to get another crack at the 105-pound queen.

Joining Delboni in the Phoenix Tournament is a pair of New Yorkers in Lindsey “Damsel” VanZandt (7-4) and Jillian “Lionheart” DeCoursey (4-3). The 27-year-old VanZandt – who now trains in Arizona – will be making her fifth Invicta appearance, having battled both Zappitella and Delboni previously. DeCoursey steps into the Invicta cage for the sixth time.

Rounding out the group of promotional veterans, Linda “F109” Mihalec (2-1) and Canada’s “Queen of the North” Katie Saull (3-4) each look to slingshot their way to the top of the 105-pound ladder.

A trio of newcomers complete the tournament athletes as Paulina “Firefox” Granados (4-4), Tabatha “Batgirl” Watkins (3-3) and Katie “Maquina Asesina” Perez (2-1) look to make a name for themselves in their promotional debuts.

As with the previous Phoenix Tournament events, the single-elimination format will feature one-round fights in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds, with the tournament final being a three-round affair to determine the champion. The eight participants will be matched up during a random draw prior to the event.

Quarterfinal fighters will have plenty of incentive to finish their fights. Each finish will earn the winning fighter a monetary bonus, but more importantly, the fastest finisher in the quarterfinal round will have the luxury of picking their opponent for the semifinals based on the remaining three combatants. If there are no finishes in the quarterfinals, the semifinal match-ups will again be determined by random draw.

The event will be overseen by the Kansas Athletic Commission and will feature open scoring. With the ongoing pandemic, the fights will take place behind closed doors — sans fans — but will be open to a limited number of media. As with any Invicta event, the safety of its athletes, their corners, its staff and commission officials is of the utmost priority. All participants will be tested for COVID-19 prior to the event.

Tournament reserve match-ups will be announced prior to the event.

Phoenix Tournament: Atomweight Participants
Jéssica Delboni
Jillian DeCoursey
Katie Perez
Katie Saull
Lindsey VanZandt
Linda Mihalec
Paulina Granados
Tabatha Watkins

Vote


About Invicta FC:
Invicta Fighting Championships (invictafc.com) 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. Follow Invicta on Twitter (@InvictaFights), Facebook (InvictaFights) and Instagram (@InvictaFC) for all the latest information.

About Anthem Sports & Entertainment, Inc.
Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc. is a globally integrated multi-platform media company with offices and studios in Los Angeles, Denver, Nashville, New York, Kansas City and Toronto. Anthem’s portfolio includes AXS TV, a leading music, entertainment and lifestyle television channel and digital media company; Fight Network, the world’s premier combat sports channel; IMPACT Wrestling, one of the world’s leading wrestling organizations specializing in original programming and live events; Invicta Fighting Championships, the world’s premier all-women mixed martial arts promotion;  Game+, the leader in Esports and gaming content; GameTV, the home of game shows and competition-based reality series; and HDNet Movies, which features theatrically released films and documentaries. Anthem also has a significant ownership interest in Pursuit Channel, one of the top outdoor channels in the U.S.