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Invicta FC 38 Results: Murata Edges Ducote, Porto Tops Rodríguez

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Kansas City, Kan. — On Friday, Nov. 1, Invicta Fighting Championships hosted Invicta FC 38: Murata vs. Ducote from Memorial Hall. The entire fight card aired exclusively on UFC Fight Pass.

There’s a new strawweight champion as Japan’s Kanako Murata edged Oklahoma’s Emily Ducote over the course of five rounds. Ducote opened the title match-up with low kicks to the calf of Murata. The Japanese fighter faked a superwoman punch and secured a body lock, but Ducote remained upright. Murata then ducked under a punch and powered the fight to the ground. Ducote quickly latched onto an arm and forced Murata to defend the armbar. Ducote worked back to her feet, but it was short lived as Murata dragged her back to the mat late in the round. The low kick of Ducote continued to land in round two, frustrating Murata. A deep single-leg attempt by Murata was shrugged off by Ducote. The Oklahoma fighter used her reach to land punches to Murata’s midsection. Murata powered into a takedown as the round neared its end, but Ducote again forced her to defend an armbar attempt. In the third round, Ducote was able to land straight punches with regularity. Murata landed a nice combination from boxing range, but struggled to get inside with any consistency. Ducote shrugged off multiple takedown attempts, but Murata got her to the canvas late in the round. Ducote pushed forward in round four, driving Murata against the fence with her punches. A lead-leg head kick from Ducote caught Murata flush. She followed it with a second head kick that appeared to stun Murata. Ducote attacked with more punches, forcing Murata to look for a takedown. She latched onto Ducote’s arm and pulled her to the ground. Ducote locked onto an arm, but Murata escaped. Murata tried to cartwheel past Ducote’s guard as the round expired. Ducote peppered the face of Murata with punches in the final round. Murata scored with a takedown midway through the round, but found herself in another armbar attempt. The fight was sent to the judges for the decision, who were split in favor of Murata.

In what was originally scheduled to be the night’s headliner, flyweight champion Vanessa Porto took on Mexico’s Karina Rodríguez in an all-out war. Unfortunately, Rodríguez missed weight for the bout and fight became a non-title affair. The reach advantage of Rodríguez came into play early, as she was able to connect with Porto from range. The Brazilian answered with a strong right hand and then changed levels for a big slam. Rodríguez showed great scrambling ability to get back to her feet, but Porto was able to secure more takedowns. The latter part of the round was controlled by Porto and her wrestling. The left eye of Rodríguez swelled badly to open round two. The Mexican fighter was unfazed, securing the clinch and kneeing Porto multiple times in the face. Blood poured from Porto’s nose, but she moved forward aggressively. A right hand from Porto damaged Rodríguez’s nose midway through the frame. Another big knee from Rodríguez landed, prompting a late takedown from Porto. Both fighters wore plenty of damage entering the final round. Rodríguez became more confident, moving forward and firing punches. Porto tried repeatedly to bring the fight to the ground, but was met with more knees. The nose of Porto leaked blood and her right eye swelled, but she was able to secure a late takedown. The fight was sent to the judges for a verdict and it was Porto who walked away with the victory.

Strawweight Mallory Martin continued her winning ways, defeating Cynthia Arceo on the scorecards. Arceo scored with a short left hand early as she bounced on her feet. Martin closed the distance and secured a takedown with an outside trip. After a series of left hands, Arceo worked back to her feet. The Texas fighter used her kicking arsenal to control the range late in the round. The second round started well for Arceo as she cracked Martin with a straight right hand. However, she threw a kick that Martin caught and was planted on the ground once again. Martin patiently passed to side control and eventually the mount. Once in mount, Martin delivered heavy ground and pound, battering the promotional newcomer with elbows and punches. Arceo showed heart to survive the round. Arceo found success early in round three by using her kicks to stay on the outside. Martin countered with her lead hook, but eventually changed levels and returned the fight to the mat. She again earned the mount and rained more elbows, but could not find the finish. Martin moved to 6-2 with the decision win.

Flyweights Shanna Young and Maiju Suotama met for a second time, with Young again coming out victorious. The opening round was a flashback to the pair’s previous bout at Phoenix Rising 2, as Finland’s Suotama was able to get Young to the canvas and take her back. Suotama tried to soften up Young with punches and looked for a rear-naked choke. Young was able to survive and the fight went to a second round. Young took control with her striking, dropping Suotama with a massive left hand. She continued to damage Suotama with punches, bloodying her nose. Suotama tried to get the fight back to the ground, but Young showcased a great sprawl. Young gained top position late in the round and delivered heavy punishment. Suotama pulled guard early in round three, attacking with an armbar. Young punched her way free and pounded on the Finn from side control. Late in the round, Young moved to mount and unleashed punch after punch. Suotama made it to the final bell, but Young walked away with the decision nod.

Bantamweight Lisa Verzosa remained unbeaten after a three-round war with New Hampshire’s Kerri Kenneson. Verzosa pressured forward from the opening bell, delivering a right hand along the cage. She looked to follow it up with more punches, but Kenneson caught her with a clean right hand that sent her crashing to the canvas. Verzosa recovered and continued to march forward. Kenneson scored with a left hook to the body and closed the round with a takedown attempt. The pair exchanged early in round two, with Verzosa attacking the body of Kenneson in the clinch. Kenneson threw a variety of kicks, trying to slow the unrelenting advance of Verzosa. In the last five minutes, both fighters had their moments. Verzosa stayed in the face of Kenneson, causing her nose to bleed with punches. A left hook to right straight combination from Verzosa forced Kenneson to shoot for a takedown, but Verzosa countered with a guillotine choke attempt. The back-and-forth battle went the distance, with Verzosa claiming victory.

Auttumn Norton picked up her first career win after battering Shaianna Rincón over three rounds in their featherweight match-up. After taking turns landing heavy shots in the fight’s first stanza, Norton stunned Rincón with a right hand. The fight swung heavily in Norton’s favor in round two as Norton caught a kick and dumped Rincón to the ground. Once on top, Norton unleashed a barrage of punches and elbows that split open Rincón. Despite the onslaught, Rincón survived the round. Round three was largely a carbon copy of the second, as Norton put Rincón on the mat and landed more ground and pound. The fight saw the final bell, but it was a clean sweep for Norton on the scorecards.

The night kicked off with a clash of bantamweight newcomers as New York’s Taneisha Tennant met Las Vegas-based Serena DeJesus. After a brief feeling-out process, Tennant dropped DeJesus with right hand. DeJesus would survive and fire back with kicks. In round two, DeJesus turned the tables, stunning Tennant with a left hand and landing numerous low kicks. With the fight in the balance in the final frame, Tennant bloodied the nose of DeJesus with a big left hook. She finished strong with a right hand that hurt DeJesus. All three judges rewarded Tennant the decision victory.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
Kanako Murata def. Emily Ducote by split decision (48-47, 47-48, 49-46) – for strawweight title
Vanessa Porto def. Karina Rodríguez by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Mallory Martin def. Cynthia Arceo by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
Shanna Young def. Maiju Suotama by unanimous decision (29-27, 28-27, 28-26)
Lisa Verzosa def. Kerri Kenneson by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Auttumn Norton def. Shaianna Rincón by unanimous decision (30-26 x3)
Taneisha Tennant def. Serena DeJesus by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

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. Follow Invicta on Twitter (@InvictaFights), Facebook (Facebook.com/InvictaFights), and Instagram (@InvictaFC) for all the latest information.

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Invicta FC 38: Murata vs. Ducote Official Weigh-in Results

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Kansas City, Mo. — On Thursday, Oct. 31, Invicta Fighting Championships hosted the weigh-ins for Invicta FC 38: Murata vs. Ducote. The event takes place from from Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kan., on Friday, Nov.1 , with the entire card streaming live on UFC Fight Pass beginning at 7 p.m. CT.

In the night’s main event, Japan’s Kanako Murata (10-1) battles veteran Emily Ducote (8-5) for the vacant strawweight championship. Murata submitted Liana Pirosin in her promotional debut at Invicta FC 35. Oklahoma’s Ducote impressed in her first Invicta appearance, stopping former title challenger Janaisa Morandin in the first round.

The co-main event pits flyweight champion Vanessa Porto (21-8) against contender tournament winner Karina Rodríguez (8-3) in a non-title affair, after Rodríguez failed to make weight. The Brazilian Porto captured gold at Invicta FC 34, defeating UFC veteran Pearl Gonzalez. Mexico’s Rodriguez most recently earned a hard-fought decision victory over UFC alum DeAnna Bennett at Invicta FC 36.

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

Strawweight Title: Kanako Murata (114.9) vs. Emily Ducote (114.2)
Flyweight: Vanessa Porto (124.2) vs. Karina Rodríguez (126.1)*
Strawweight: Mallory Martin (115.8) vs. Cynthia Arceo (116)
Flyweight: Shanna Young (125.7) vs. Maiju Suotama (124.2)
Bantamweight: Lisa Verzosa (135.5) vs. Kerri Kenneson (135.6)
Featherweight: Shaianna Rincón (143.8) vs. Auttumn Norton (146)
Bantamweight: Serena DeJesus (135.7) vs. Taneisha Tennant (135.9)

* – Rodríguez missed the flyweight championship limit of 125 pounds and was fined 25 percent of her fight purse. Her bout against Porto is now a three-round, non-title bout.

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. Follow Invicta on Twitter (@InvictaFights), Facebook (Facebook.com/InvictaFights), and Instagram (@InvictaFC) for all the latest information.

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Invicta FC 38 Features Two Title Fights on Nov. 1

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Kansas City, Mo. – The fight card for Invicta FC 38 will feature a pair of title bouts.

Flyweight champion Vanessa Porto (21-8) will make the first defense of her 125-pound title against contender tournament winner Karina Rodríguez (8-3). The Brazilian Porto captured gold at Invicta FC 34, defeating UFC veteran Pearl Gonzalez by decision. Mexico’s Rodriguez earned her shot at gold with a hard-fought decision victory over UFC alum DeAnna Bennett in the Invicta FC 36 main event.

The co-main event also features gold on the line as Japan’s Kanako Murata (10-1) battles veteran Emily Ducote (8-5) for the vacant strawweight championship. Murata, a decorated wrestler, submitted Liana Pirosin in her promotional debut at Invicta FC 35. Oklahoma’s Ducote has faced some of the toughest flyweights in the world and now seeks a title at 115 pounds after stopping former title challenger Janaisa Morandin at Invicta FC 36.

Joining the two title fights will be a strawweight clash between Contender Series veteran Mallory Martin (5-2) and Texas newcomer Cynthia “Sin” Arceo (5-1-1), a flyweight rematch between recent Phoenix Series 2 quarterfinalists Shanna Young (6-2) and Maiju Suotama (8-4), a bantamweight bout featuring undefeated Lisa “Battle Angel” Verzosa (4-0) — formerly Spangler — and “Scary” Kerri Kenneson (3-1), the return of California’s Shaianna “Yaya” Rincón (2-0) against Nevada’s Auttumn Norton (0-1) at featherweight, and the debut of Las Vegas bantamweight Serena de Jesus (1-0), who takes on fellow newcomer Taneisha “Triple Threat” Tennant (1-0) of New York.

Invicta FC 38 takes place Friday, Nov. 1, from Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kan. The event will stream live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass beginning at 7 p.m. CT. Tickets for the event can be purchased now through Eventbrite.

The current Invicta FC 38 fight card can be found below:

Flyweight Title: Vanessa Porto vs. Karina Rodríguez
Strawweight Title: Kanako Murata vs. Emily Ducote
Strawweight: Mallory Martin vs. Cynthia Arceo
Flyweight: Shanna Young vs. Maiju Suotama
Bantamweight: Lisa Verzosa vs. Kerri Kenneson
Featherweight: Shaianna Rincón vs. Auttumn Norton
Bantamweight: Serena DeJesus vs. Taneisha Tennant

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 (Facebook.com/InvictaFights), and Instagram (@InvictaFC) for all the latest information.

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Invicta FC 34 Results: Porto Tops Gonzalez, Captures Vacant Flyweight Title

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Kansas City, Kan. — On Friday, Feb. 15, Invicta Fighting Championships hosted Invicta FC 34: Porto vs. Gonzalez from the Memorial Hall. The night’s first three bouts streamed live on Facebook and UFC Fight Pass at 7 p.m. CT, with the remainder of the event airing exclusively on UFC Fight Pass.

Vanessa Porto is now the Invicta FC flyweight champion after defeating Pearl Gonzalez by technical decision. The first round saw Gonzalez use her length to kick. Porto countered with punches, leading to a takedown. Gonzalez worked back to her feet, but ate three right hands in the process. Porto again took the fight to the ground. Round two featured a variety of kicks from both fighters until Porto again showcased her strength, picking up Gonzalez and slamming her to the mat. She passed to the mount and slapped on an arm-triangle choke. Gonzalez waited it out and eventually returned to her feet before the round came to an end. It was more kicks from both fighters early in round three, but Porto initiated the clinch and pinned Gonzalez to the cage. She scooped up a single and put Gonzalez on her back. Porto passed to side control where she remained until the round concluded. Porto controlled the range early in round four, but Gonzalez inadvertently poked her in the left eye to pause the action. The doctors came in to check on the Brazilian, but there was a cut to her eyelid that forced the fight to be waved off. That sent the fight to the scorecards, where Porto was ahead from all three judges at cageside.

Mexico’s Karina Rodriguez engaged in a three-round war with UFC veteran Milana Dudieva, punching her ticket to the flyweight tournament final with a split-decision victory. Rodriguez was crisp with her striking early, peppering Dudieva with kicks. Dudieva changed the tides with a well-timed takedown and a barrage of punches from top position. Late in the round, Dudieva rocked Rodriguez with a right hand as the bell sounded. The second round began similarly, with Dudieva scoring a takedown. Rodriguez was able to work back to her feet and she pushed the pace. She came forward hard, nearly overwhelming Dudieva late in the round with punches. The last stanza was razor-close as both fighters looked for openings. The judges were called upon to decide the result and two of the three rewarded Rodriguez for her efforts.

The first half of the flyweight contender tournament pitted UFC veteran and former strawweight title challenger DeAnna Bennett against rising prospect Miranda Maverick. Maverick scored early with leg kicks. Bennett marched forward, changing levels and putting Maverick on her back with a double-leg takedown. Maverick locked up her guard, but Bennett scored with right hands. In round two, the pair traded positions in the clinch, but again, it was Bennett’s double-leg takedown that helped her gain an advantageous position. She was able to move to Maverick’s back and threaten with a rear-naked choke, but the Missouri fighter defended and escaped. The final frame saw Maverick push the action. She gained the clinch, only to have Bennett reverse and position and work for a single. Maverick threw knees and short elbows, but it wasn’t enough, as Bennett claimed the decision and the first spot in the flyweight tournament final.

In the flyweight tournament reserve bout, Tracy Cortez used her solid wrestling and submission defense to edge grappler Erin Blanchfield by split decision. Cortez threw with reckless abandon early, before changing levels and taking Blanchfield to the ground. Blanchfield latched onto Cortez’s right arm, looking for an armbar. Cortez was able to defend, but Blanchfield held the position until the end of the round, absorbing short punches and knees from Cortez. The second frame was a back-and-forth affair, with Cortez getting the better of the clinch work. Blanchfield had a strong third round, securing a takedown and attacking with submissions. Cortez survived a deep arm-triangle choke attempt, returning to the feet in the fight’s final minute. When the judges were called upon, it was Cortez who walked away victorious.

Flyweights Victoria Leonardo and Jamie Milanowski put on a show for the brief time they were in the cage. Milanowski quickly dragged Leonardo to the ground, but Leonardo looked for an armbar and got back to her feet. She then put Milanowki on her back and dropped heavy ground and pound. The fight returned to the feet briefly and Milanowski again looked to gain top position. Leonardo stuffed a head-and-arm throw and took the back of the newcomer. She locked onto a rear-naked choke, forcing Milanowski to tap midway through the first round.

Featherweight Courtney King picked up her first win in the Invicta cage, stopping fellow Coloradan Holli Logan by second-round submission. Logan scored with repeated counter right hands in the opening stanza, as King pressed forward. King eventually earned the clinch and brought the fight to the ground with a trip takedown. In the second frame, King flurried hard to get the clinch. This time, however, it was Logan who looked for a trip. King reversed the position and landed on top, locking in a D’arce choke. Logan was able to defend, but gave up the mount. King rained punches and forced Logan to give up her back. Once there, King attacked the neck and coerced a tap by rear-naked choke.

The night’s action kicked off with a flyweight match-up between newcomers Caitlin Sammons and Christina Ricker. Sammons used her teep kick to gauge range, before scoring with a counter uppercut. She then took Ricker to the mat and control her from the back, but trapping Ricker’s left arm. Late in the first round, Sammons looked for an armbar, but Ricker was able to survive the round. In round two, Sammons hurt Ricker with a kick to the body and followed her to the ground. Sammons unleashed a series of punches and elbows that forced the referee to halt the bout and save Ricker from further damage.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
Vanessa Porto def. Pearl Gonzalez by unanimous technical decision (40-36, 39-37, 39-37). Round 4, 2:34 – for flyweight title
Karina Rodriguez def. Milana Dudieva by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) – flyweight tournament semifinal
DeAnna Bennett def. Miranda Maverick by unanimous decision (29-28 x3) – flyweight tournament semifinal
Tracy Cortez def. Erin Blanchfield by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Victoria Leonardo def. Jamie Milanowski by submission (rear-naked choke). Round 1, 2:45
Courtney King def. Holli Logan by submission (rear-naked choke). Round 2, 4:46
Caitlin Sammons def. Christina Ricker by TKO (strikes). Round 2, 3:02

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. Follow Invicta on Twitter (@InvictaFights), Facebook (Facebook.com/InvictaFights), and Instagram (@InvictaFC) for all the latest information.

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Invicta FC 34: Porto vs. Gonzalez Official Weigh-in Results

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Kansas City, Kan. — On Thursday, Feb. 14, Invicta Fighting Championships hosted the weigh-ins for Invicta FC 34: Porto vs. Gonzalez. The event takes place from from Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kan., on Friday, Feb. 15, with the entire card streaming live on UFC Fight Pass beginning at 7 p.m. CT. The night’s first three bouts will also stream live and free on Facebook.

In the night’s main event, the vacant flyweight title will be on the line between Brazilian veteran Vanessa Porto (20-8) and surging contender Pearl Gonzalez (9-3).

Also on the card, a four-woman flyweight tournament will kick off to determine the next No. 1 contender. On one side of the bracket, UFC veteran Milana Dudieva (12-7) takes on Mexico’s Karina Rodriguez (6-3). In the other half of the ladder, UFC veteran and former Invicta FC strawweight title challenger DeAnna Bennett (9-4-1) meets Missouri’s Miranda Maverick (4-1).

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

Flyweight Title: Vanessa Porto (124.7) vs. Pearl Gonzalez (124)
Flyweight Tournament Semifinal: Milana Dudieva (126) vs. Karina Rodriguez (125.4)
Flyweight Tournament Semifinal: DeAnna Bennett (126) vs. Miranda Maverick (125.4)
Flyweight:  Tracy Cortez (126) vs. Erin Blanchfield (125.5)
Featherweight: Helena Kolesnyk (156.3)* vs. Faith McMah (145.7)
Flyweight: Victoria Leonardo (125.7) vs. Jamie Milanowski (125.4)
Featherweight: Courtney King (145.4) vs. Holli Logan (149.9)#
Flyweight: Caitlin Sammons (124) vs. Christina Ricker (125.5)

* – The fight between Kolesnyk and McMah has been removed from the card, after Kolesnyk missed weight

# – Logan was fined 25 percent of her fight purse for missing weight

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. Follow Invicta on Twitter (@InvictaFights), Facebook (Facebook.com/InvictaFights), and Instagram (@InvictaFC) for all the latest information.

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Vanessa Porto vs. Pearl Gonzalez Flyweight Title Fight Headlines Invicta FC 34

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Kansas City, Mo. — Invicta Fighting Championships is returning to where it all began.

On Friday, Feb. 15, the promotion touches down at Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kan. — the host of the first four Invicta FC events — for its 34th fight card. The event will stream live on UFC Fight Pass at 7 p.m. CT.

In the night’s main event, the vacant flyweight title will be on the line between Brazilian veteran Vanessa Porto (20-8) and surging contender Pearl Gonzalez (9-3).

Porto is riding the momentum of back-to-back wins, having earned a stoppage win at Invicta FC 26, before submitting Mariana Morais at Invicta FC 27. The 34-year-old will fight for Invicta gold for third time after coming up short on the scorecards in two prior attempts.

The Chicago native Gonzalez has been on a tear since joining the Invicta roster. After defeating Kali Robbins at strawweight in her promotional debut, the Team Hurricane Awesome product moved up to 125 pounds and has continued to find success. She submitted Brazilian Bárbara Acioly last March and then topped Daiane Firmino on the scorecards at Invicta FC 29.

Also on the card, a four-woman flyweight tournament will kick off to determine the next No. 1 contender. On one side of the bracket, UFC veteran Milana Dudieva (12-7) takes on undefeated Brogan Walker-Sanchez (6-0) of Guam. In the other half of the ladder, UFC veteran and former Invicta FC strawweight title challenger DeAnna Bennett (9-4-1) meets Missouri’s Miranda Maverick (4-1). The two winners will meet later this year for a shot at Invicta gold. A bout between Tracy Cortez (4-1) and Mexico’s Karina Rodriguez (6-3) will serve as the tournament’s reserve match-up.

The card also includes a featherweight match-up between former title challenger Faith McMah (6-3) and Helena Kolesnyk (5-2, 1 NC).

The current Invicta FC 34 fight card can be found below:

Flyweight Title: Vanessa Porto (20-8) vs. Pearl Gonzalez (9-3)
Flyweight Tournament Semifinal: Milana Dudieva (12-7) vs. Brogan Walker-Sanchez (6-0)
Flyweight Tournament Semifinal: DeAnna Bennett (9-4-1) vs. Miranda Maverick (4-1)
Flyweight: Tracy Cortez (4-1) vs. Karina Rodriguez (6-3)
Featherweight: Faith McMah (6-3) vs. Helena Kolesnyk (5-2, 1 NC).

Tickets for Invicta FC 34 go on sale Wednesday, Jan. 16, and are available for purchase at invictafc34.eventbrite.com.

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. Follow Invicta on Twitter (@InvictaFights), Facebook (Facebook.com/InvictaFights), and Instagram (@InvictaFC) for all the latest information.

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Invicta FC 23 Results: Niedźwiedź Edges Porto, Modafferi Batters D’Alelio

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Kansas City, Mo. — On Saturday, May 20, Invicta Fighting Championships hosted Invicta FC 23: Porto vs. Niedźwiedź from the historic Scottish Rite Temple. The event streamed live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

Agnieszka Niedźwiedź remained undefeated, besting Brazilian Vanessa Porto. The former title challenger Porto fired leg kick after leg kick to open the bout, but Niedźwiedź was able to take her to the ground. The Polish fighter could not maintain top position as Porto scrambled free. Niedźwiedź looked for a guillotine choke, but could not coerce the tap. Late in the round, Niedźwiedź looked for a D’arce choke, but time expired. Round two saw Porto again score with strikes, and she gained top position. She aggressively dove into the guard of Niedźwiedź and fell into a triangle choke. Porto did not panic, but she was forced to defend the choke and an armbar until the round closed. Porto’s striking was very effective in the final round, battering the lead leg of Niedźwiedź. The nose of Niedźwiedź bled heavily, but her early takedowns and submission attempts were the difference, as she earned the decision victory.

Roxanne Modafferi continued her march back toward title contention with the most complete performance of her Invicta career. “The Happy Warrior” was knocked down by opponent Sarah D’Alelio just seconds into the fight, but she was able to recover. Modafferi was able to clip D’Alelio later in the round. She took the back of D’Alelio and threatened with choke attempts, but D’Alelio was able to defend. In round two, Modafferi scored with a combinations, before taking the fight to the canvas. D’Alelio looked for a heel hook, but Modafferi defended and passed to her back. D’Alelio spun into the guard of Modafferi, but was forced to fend off a triangle choke attempt. Round three was all Modafferi, as she quickly put D’Alelio on her back and moved to mount. Modafferi landed a huge elbow that split open the forehead of D’Alelio, prompting the referee to halt the contest.

Former atomweight champion Herica Tiburcio survived a closely contested war with Tessa Simpson. Simpson caught a kick early and put the Brazilian on the ground. Tiburcio muscled her way on top, but was tied up inside the guard of Simpson. Simpson eventually worked her way back to the feet and the pair traded kicks. In round two, Simpson displayed her boxing prowess, but Tiburcio was able to earn a takedown. She looked for a guillotine choke and then a heel hook, but Simpson was able to escape. The third round was equally competitive, with Tiburcio scoring a takedown and Simpson attacking with a leg lock off her back. The back-and-forth bout resulted in a split verdict from the judges, with Tiburcio coming out with the win.

Making her Invicta debut, bantamweight Kelly Faszholz cruised past Elizabeth Phillips with fluid combinations. Faszholz marched forward from the opening bell, frequently landing her right hand. Phillips looked to clinch and score with throws, but Faszholz was able to avoid being put on her back. The cage work of Faszholz was grueling, as she scored with short punches and knees along the fence. Faszholz continued her assault in the second and third rounds, forcing Phillips to backpedal and counter. Late in the fight, Phillips scored with a takedown, but it was too little, too late, as Faszholz swept the judges’ scorecards.

Flyweight Andrea Lee faced a tough battle against newcomer Liz Tracy, eking out a split decision win. Lee’s striking was methodical at range in the first stanza, but Tracy’s wrestling game turned the tides. Every time Lee tried to open up, Tracy would shoot or initiate the clinch. When the fight hit the ground, the pair scrambled for position, with Tracy spending more time on top. The forward march of Tracy was relentless, but Lee was able to score with knees in the clinch and stuff multiple takedown attempts. Tracy’s hip toss was her most effective weapon, but she struggled to keep Lee on the mat. Lee twice looked to take the back of Tracy, and attacked with an armbar, but to no avail. The hard-fought bought went the distance, with Lee emerging victorious.

Returning to the featherweight division, Brazil’s Ediane Gomes edged out a very tough Pam Sorenson by split decision. Gomes pressured forward recklessly to open the bout, forcing Sorenson against the cage and then to the ground. From inside the guard, Gomes scored with short shots from top position. It was more of the same to open the second round, as Gomes battered Sorenson with punches before earning a takedown. Gomes was less active from the top, prompting the referee to stand up the fight. Back on the feet, Sorenson pushed the pace, clipping Gomes with counter right hands. In the final round, Sorenson’s striking was on display as the pace of Gomes dwindled. It wasn’t enough though, as Gomes earned the win.

Striking stalwarts Tiffany Van Soest and Christine Ferea put on a show in their strawweight affair. Van Soest was crisp with her kicks in the opening stanza as both fighters gauged their range. In the middle round, Ferea came forward aggressively and both fighters scored from the clinch with elbows and punches. The final frame was largely spent on the ground as Ferea looked for a takedown, but Van Soest initially landed on top. Ferea powered to top position and eventually moved to mount. She rained strikes from the top, but could not find the finish, as Van Soest claimed the victory on the scorecards.

Kicking off the night’s action, bantamweights Yaya Rincón and Brooksie Bayard engaged in a three-round battle. Rincón, who was making her professional debut, quickly took the fight to the ground and took the back of Bayard. Bayard defended the choke attempts and was able to get the fight back to the feet. The story of the fight was the crisp counter striking of Rincón. She peppered the face of Bayard with straight right hands. Bayard was game, coming forward and firing overhand rights. It wasn’t enough, however, as Rincón captured the decision win.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
Agnieszka Niedźwiedź def. Vanessa Porto by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Roxanne Modafferi def. Sarah D’Alelio by TKO (strikes). Round 3, 1:37
Herica Tiburcio def. Tessa Simpson by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Kelly Faszholz def. Elizabeth Phillips by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Andrea Lee def. Liz Tracy by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
Ediane Gomes def. Pam Sorenson by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Tiffany Van Soest def. Christine Ferea by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Yaya Rincón def. Brooksie Bayard by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

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. Follow Invicta on Twitter (@InvictaFights), Facebook (Facebook.com/InvictaFights), and Instagram (@InvictaFC) for all the latest information.

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Invicta FC 23: Porto vs. Niedźwiedź Official Weigh-in Results

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Kansas City, Mo. — On Friday, May 19, Invicta Fighting Championships hosted the weigh-ins for Invicta FC 23: Porto vs. Niedźwiedź. The event takes place from Scottish Rite Temple on Saturday, May 20, and streams live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

In the night’s main event, former flyweight title challenger Vanessa Porto (18-7) meets undefeated Agnieszka Niedźwiedź (9-0) of Poland. Brazil’s Porto will look to rebound from her back-and-forth battle with champion Jennifer Maia last spring at Invicta FC 16. Niedźwiedź will be making her second promotional appearance, having defeated veteran Christine Stanley at Invicta FC 18.

The co-main event also takes place in the flyweight division as veteran Roxanne Modafferi (20-13) faces off with Sarah D’Alelio (11-6). Modafferi will aim to get back into title contention, having fallen short in her title conquest at Invicta FC 19. D’Alelio returns to the promotion riding a four-fight winning streak that includes a submission win at Invicta FC 16.

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

Flyweight: Vanessa Porto (125.8) vs. Agnieszka Niedźwiedź (126)
Flyweight: Roxanne Modafferi (125.7) vs. Sarah D’Alelio (125.6)
Atomweight: Herica Tiburcio (105.5) vs. Tessa Simpson (105.8)
Bantamweight: Elizabeth Phillips (140.4)* vs. Kelly Faszholz (135.3)
Flyweight: Andrea Lee (125.5) vs. Liz Tracy (125.4)
Featherweight: Ediane Gomes (145.4) vs. Pam Sorenson (145.4)
Strawweight: Tiffany Van Soest (115.4) vs. Christine Ferea (115.9)
Bantamweight: Brooksie Bayard (135.4) vs. Yaya Rincón (135.4)

* – Phillips missed the bantamweight limit of 136 pounds and was fined 25 percent of her fight purse

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. Follow Invicta on Twitter (@InvictaFights), Facebook (Facebook.com/InvictaFights), and Instagram (@InvictaFC) for all the latest information.

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Vanessa Porto vs. Agnieszka Niedźwiedź Set For Invicta FC 23 Main Event

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Kansas City, Mo. — The fight card for Invicta Fighting Championships 23 has finalized six fights, including three in the flyweight division.

In the night’s main event, former flyweight title challenger Vanessa Porto (18-7) meets undefeated Agnieszka Niedźwiedź (9-0) of Poland. Brazil’s Porto will look to rebound from her back-and-forth battle with champion Jennifer Maia last spring at Invicta FC 16. Niedźwiedź will be making her second promotional appearance, having defeated veteran Christine Stanley at Invicta FC 18.

The co-main event also takes place in the flyweight division as veteran Roxanne Modafferi (20-13) faces off with Sarah D’Alelio (11-6). Modafferi will aim to get back into title contention, having fallen short in her title conquest at Invicta FC 19. D’Alelio returns to the promotion riding a four-fight winning streak that includes a submission win at Invicta FC 16.

A third flyweight contest between Andrea Lee (6-2) and promotional newcomer Liz Tracy (3-1) will complete the spotlight on the 125-pound division.

Joining the flyweight match-ups are three additional bouts. Former atomweight champion Herica Tiburcio (10-4) takes on Tessa Simpson (5-1), UFC veterans Elizabeth Phillips (6-5) and Kelly Faszholz (3-2) square off in a bantamweight affair, and striking stalwarts Tiffany Van Soest (0-1) and Christine Ferea (1-0) clash at strawweight.

The event takes place Saturday, May 20, from the historic Scottish Rite Temple in Kansas City, Mo. The event streams live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass at 8 p.m. ET.

The current Invicta FC 23 fight card can be found below:

Flyweight: Vanessa Porto (18-7) vs. Agnieszka Niedźwiedź (9-0)
Flyweight: Roxanne Modafferi (20-13) vs. Sarah D’Alelio (11-6)
Atomweight: Herica Tiburcio (10-4) vs. Tessa Simpson (5-1)
Bantamweight: Elizabeth Phillips (6-5) vs. Kelly Faszholz (3-2)
Flyweight: Andrea Lee (6-2) vs. Liz Tracy (3-1)
Strawweight: Tiffany Van Soest (0-1) vs. Christine Ferea (1-0)

Tickets for Invicta FC 23 will go on sale Monday, April 17 via Ticketfly.com. Additional bouts for the event 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. Follow Invicta on Twitter (@InvictaFights), Facebook (Facebook.com/InvictaFights), and Instagram (@InvictaFC) for all the latest information.

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Invicta FC 16 Results: Hamasaki Retains, Maia Captures Gold

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Las Vegas — On Friday, March 11, Invicta Fighting Championships visited the Trinidad Pavilion at Tropicana Las Vegas for its 16th event. The event streamed live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Invicta atomweight champion Ayaka Hamasaki faced adversity in her first title defense against challenger Amber Brown, but the Japanese fighter retained her belt with a third-round armbar finish. Hamasaki landed a takedown in round one and landed punches from the top position, but Brown threw up a triangle choke and Hamasaki was forced to defend. Round two was nearly a carbon-copy of the first, but Hamasaki attacked the right arm of Brown with a keylock and a straight armbar attempt. In round three, Hamasaki’s repeated attacks on Brown’s arm paid off as she was able to extend the arm and coerce a tap.

Brazilians Jennifer Maia and Vanessa Porto put on a show in the night’s co-main event, with Maia leaving the cage with the interim flyweight title. Porto came out aggressive, dropping Maia with a right hand in the opening stanza. Maia recovered, but Porto continued to come forward with kicks. Porto scored with a big slam in round two and nearly locked in an armbar. Maia survived the early action and established her range on the feet. Porto’s nose bled badly as the fight wore on, as Maia’s combinations found a home. Maia surprisingly locked up an armbar of her own in round four, but Porto was able to defend. The fifth round decided the title affair, with Maia proving to be the fresher fighter. Maia sought a late guillotine that Porto escaped, but the judges handed Maia Invicta FC gold.

Strawweight Angela Hill proved that stepping up on short notice was no big deal, as she stopped former title fighter Stephanie Eggink by second-round TKO. Hill was in Eggink’s face early, but Eggink found openings for body kicks. As Eggink continued to kick, Hill found her timing and began to counter. Multiple overhand rights found the jaw of Eggink and in round two, a heavy shot sent her crashing to the ground. Hill followed with more punches and the referee waved off the bout.

Mexico’s Irene Aldana needed just three minutes to give UFC veteran Jessamyn Duke a rude welcome back to the Invicta cage. The bantamweights exchanged punches from the opening bell, with Aldana repeatedly finding Duke’s jaw with her right hand. A heavy shot wobbled Duke along the cage and Aldana smelled blood. She unleashed a flurry of body shots that saw Duke crumble to the canvas for the TKO.

Veteran Roxanne Modafferi and former title challenger DeAnna Bennett battled hard for three rounds. Modafferi’s forward pressure was the story of the fight, as she frequently backed Bennett against the cage. Bennett earned a big slam in the first round, but the action largely played out on the feet. Modafferi’s volume punching forced Bennett to counter with body kicks, but she could not match the output. When it was all said and done, the judges were split; leaving Modafferi victorious.

Atomweight Jinh Yu Frey made her case for a title shot, outworking former titleholder Herica Tiburcio en route to a unanimous decision win. The pair spent the majority of the fight on the feet, trading combinations. Tiburcio chewed up the lead leg of Frey with kicks, but Frey’s ability to counter with punches were the difference. Frey dropped Tiburcio with a left hand late in round two, but ultimately the fight went the distance.

Making her flyweight debut, veteran Sarah D’Alelio outlasted a very game Andrea Lee, scoring a late, third-round submission victory. Lee’s striking arsenal was on display in the first frame, as she battered the lead leg of D’Alelio. D’Alelio answered with wrestling in the middle round, leading to a do-or-die final five minutes. Lee scored with a gorgeous hip toss along the cage, but D’Alelio scrambled to top position and then transitioned to Lee’s back. Once there, she slapped on the fight-finishing rear-naked choke and Lee was forced to tap.

Stepping in on short notice, unbeaten Aspen Ladd put on a clinic in her bantamweight debut. Ladd immediately took opponent Kelly McGill to the ground and showcased her strong grappling game. Ladd threatened with choke attempts, but it was her steady stream of punches and elbows that took its toll on McGill. In the third stanza, Ladd poured it on and forced the referee to halt the contest.

In the night’s opening bout, debuting strawweights Ashley Greenway and Sarah Click fought hard for three rounds. Click scored with kicks early, but Greenway found her range midway through the fight. The final frame was all Greenway as she scored a takedown and tied Click into knots with multiple submission attempts. The judges rewarded Greenway for her efforts with a unanimous decision nod.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
Ayaka Hamasaki def. Amber Brown by submission (armbar). Round 3, 2:52 – for atomweight title
Jennifer Maia def. Vanessa Porto by unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47) – for interim flyweight title
Angela Hill def. Stephanie Eggink by TKO (punches). Round 2, 2:36
Irene Aldana def. Jessamyn Duke by TKO (punches). Round 1, 3:08
Roxanne Modafferi def. DeAnna Bennett by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Jinh Yu Frey def. Herica Tiburcio by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Sarah D’Alelio def. Andrea Lee by submission (rear-naked choke). Round 3, 4:21
Aspen Ladd def. Kelly McGill by TKO (strikes). Round 3, 1:47
Ashley Greenway def. Sarah Click by unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-28)

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).