Strawweight Lynn Alvarez Returns to Invicta FC

Kansas City, Mo. — A familiar face is returning to Invicta Fighting Championships.

Strawweight Lynn Alvarez has rejoined the promotion to strengthen the 115-pound division.

The 29-year-old Alvarez has scored six wins over the course of her nine-fight career that dates back to 2007. Five of those victories have come via submission.

“Lights Out” has competed against many of the sport’s elite, including former Invicta champion Carla Esparza. The veteran holds wins over current Invicta fighters Michelle Waterson and Michelle Ould.

“I’m excited to be back with Invicta,” said Alvarez. “They’re doing amazing things for women’s MMA and treat their fighters right. I can’t wait to fight for them and earn my way to their 115-pound title.”

Alvarez will return to the Invicta cage in early 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).

Invicta FC Signs Flyweight Aspen Ladd

Kansas City, Mo. — Invicta Fighting Championships has added a new face to its flyweight division.

Joining the 125-pound ranks will be 19-year-old Californian Aspen Ladd. The fighter will make her professional debut in the Invicta cage after amassing an 8-1 record as amateur.

In Ladd’s most recent outing, she captured the Tuff-N-Uff flyweight title with a first-round submission win over Roma Pawelek. The victory marked Ladd’s fifth win inside the first round and her sixth career finish.

A native of Pioneer, Calif., Ladd is part of Team MMAGOLD and trains under the tutelage of coach Jim West.

“I’m thrilled,” said Ladd of signing with the promotion. “It’s been my dream for years now, ever since I first started fighting.

“I always assumed there would be three things in my life: work, fighting and school. This is the combination. I get to do my passion for work and I couldn’t be happier. I just have to prove myself.”

Look for Ladd’s Invicta debut in early 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 10 Results: Herica Tiburcio Submits Michelle Waterson, Claims Atomweight Championship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

Invicta FC 10 Official Weigh-in Results and Photo Gallery

On Thursday, Dec. 4, Invicta Fighting Championships hosted the weigh-ins for Invicta FC 10: Waterson vs. Tiburcio which takes place Friday, Dec. 5, from the Arena Theatre in Houston.

In the night’s main event, Invicta FC atomweight champion Michelle Waterson (12-3) will face Brazilian challenger Herica Tiburcio (8-2).

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

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

Red-hot bantamweight contender Tonya Evinger (14-5), coming off a first-round submission of Ediane Gomes, meets Belgium’s Cindy Dandois (5-1) in the co-main event.

The eight-fight event will stream live and exclusively via UFC Fight Pass beginning at 9 p.m. ET on Friday.

Below is a photo gallery shot by Invicta FC’s Esther Lin.

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

Michelle Waterson (105) vs. Herica Tiburcio (105) – for atomweight title
Tonya Evinger (134.75) vs. Cindy Dandois (135)
Roxanne Modafferi (125) vs. Andrea K. Lee (125.5)
Jennifer Maia (124) vs. DeAnna Bennett (125)
Andria Wawro (147)* vs. Peggy Morgan (145)
Alida Gray (115) vs. Alexa Grasso (115.25)
Jinh Yu Frey (106.25)* vs. Cassie Robb (105.25)
Rachael Ostovich (126) vs. Evva Johnson (125)

* – Wawro and Frey were fined 25 percent of their fight purse

Invicta FC 10 Loses Charmaine Tweet vs. Faith Van Duin

Houston – A medical concern identified by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has forced the cancellation of the Invicta FC 10 featherweight bout between Canada’s Charmaine Tweet (6-4) and New Zealand’s Faith Van Duin (4-1) that was slated for Dec. 5 in Houston.

Invicta FC 10 streams live on UFCFIGHTPASS.com from the Arena Theatre in Houston on Friday, Dec. 5 and is headlined by Invicta FC atomweight champion Michelle Waterson (12-3) taking on Brazilian challenger Herica Tiburcio (8-2). In the co-headline bout, red-hot bantamweight contender Tonya Evinger (14-5) meets Belgium’s Cindy Dandois (5-1).

Tickets for Invicta FC 10 are on sale now and can be purchased at the venue box office, via charge-by-phone by calling 713-772-5900 or online at arenahouston.com.

For more information, visit InvictaFC.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. For more information, visit InvictaFC.com, follow Invicta on Twitter (@InvictaFights) and like Invicta on Facebook (Facebook.com/InvictaFights).

News-Michelle-Waterson-Looks

Michelle Waterson: Looks Can Be Deceiving

They say don’t judge a book by its cover. So don’t judge a fighter by their frame.

From across the room, Invicta FC atomweight champion Michelle Waterson is sure to catch the eye. But at 5-foot-3 and 105 pounds, it is Waterson’s natural beauty that tends to draw attention, not her muscles.

The 28-year-old, who first found her passion for martial arts in the form of karate, is aware of the perception surrounding her and her moniker. However, she’d prefer to turn heads and drop jaws with her actions in the cage, not just her looks.

“For a long time I feel like there was a misrepresentation of myself,” declared the champion. “I’m ‘The Karate Hottie’ and I love my nickname. I think it’s catchy and cute. [But] I’m serious about fighting.

“At the end of the day, I’m not in there to play around. I’m in there to fight.”


Waterson’s path to the top of the sport can be traced back to her adolescence, which was spent in Colorado. Although she may not have known it at the time, her desire to fight and compete was flowing through her veins.

“My brother is actually the one that got me into martial arts,” she explained. “My mom is Thai, so Muay Thai was always heavy in her culture. My dad was a wrestler in high school. It’s a good mix to have. It’s a fighting family.”

The influence from her family was merely the first step of Waterson’s fighting career, but they’ve been there every step of the way.

“Once I got a taste of martial arts and what it offered me in my life, I knew that it was something I wanted to be involved in as an adult,” recalled the karate black belt. “Fighting was just the next thing to fall into my lap. Everybody has been very supportive of my choices in becoming a fighter.”

With her mind made up to compete, Waterson’s next endeavor came in finding the right gym to help her round out her fight game. She left the Denver area and found her way to Jackson’s MMA in Albuquerque, N.M. From day one, she knew she had found her home.

“There are a lot of things that come into play when it comes to becoming a complete fighter. I think having a gym where you feel comfortable and where it feels like family, is important. That trust allows you to let your guard down and really open your mind up to the things you need to be learning as a fighter,” said Waterson.

“It’s important to keep an open mind. The sport of MMA is evolving and it will continue to evolve. There are always new things to learn.”


In 2010, Waterson was 11 fights into her professional career. She was quickly rising through the ranks. But that’s when her aspirations were temporarily put on hold.

Waterson gave birth to a daughter, Araya, in March 2011. The pregnancy led to nearly a two-year absence from competition.

“It impacted my fighting career more than I expected it to. During my pregnancy, I was going through a lot of self-doubt and a little bit of a depression because fighting was my job and I couldn’t work,” Waterson admitted with a half-hearted laugh.

Luckily for Waterson—and fight fans—she was able to overcome her doubts with the support of her family.

“I have a really supportive family. My husband knows how much I love to fight and how much I dreamed of it becoming this big thing for me. He supported me in my quest to get back into the cage,” explained Waterson.

“He understands the sacrifices it takes to be a fighter. When I was pregnant, he took it upon himself to take that financial burden. Taking care of family takes teamwork.”

Waterson’s extended time away, coupled with motherhood, helped her come back even more dedicated to her craft than before the pregnancy.

“I felt like the responsibility of being a mother and knowing that if I was going to continue to fight, it better be worth something for me, it added a little bit of pressure,” she said. “But it was good pressure, to make it a career and not just a side hobby.

“You can’t have fighting as a side hobby. It’s just too dangerous. It’s something you have to dedicate your time to.”

That dedication is a delicate balance for Waterson. Fighting is a full-time job, especially at the sport’s highest level, but so is raising a family.

“It’s really difficult,” acknowledged the champion. “The best way to break it up is to do just that. When I’m in training, I’m 100 percent in training. I’m not thinking about my daughter; I’m thinking about being a martial artist, a fighter.

“But when I’m done training, I’m at home with my daughter, being a mom. It is important to keep the two separate and take advantage of the time that you have when you’re training and take advantage of the time you have with your little one. That time goes by quick.”


Waterson’s career truly took off soon after her return to the cage. Her Invicta debut earned “Fight of the Night” honors and she captured Invicta gold in her second appearance with the promotion, submitting renowned grappler Jessica Penne.

The Jackson’s MMA product successfully defended her title at Invicta FC 8 in early September with a third-round TKO over Japan’s Yasuko Tamada. Now, as she prepares to headline the promotion’s 10th event on Dec. 5 in Houston against Brazil’s Herica Tiburcio, Waterson is carrying the torch as one of Invicta’s longest-reigning champions.

“It’s a huge responsibility,” she candidly admitted. “That’s kind of what you take on when you go for the championship belt. It gives me motivation, when I’m training, to be a better version of myself each day.”

During her stint with Invicta, Waterson has witnessed the promotion grow and evolve. Now, with Invicta events broadcast on UFC Fight Pass, the New Mexico-based fighter is thrilled to have a bigger reach.

“I think it’s great and I’m really grateful that I’m still along for the ride. I think nothing but great things about [Invicta President] Shannon Knapp and [matchmaker] Julie Kedzie,” said Waterson. “They’re really passionate about what they do. They’re not in it for the money. They’re in it because they know how hard us female athletes work. They just want to get us out there and expose us to the world. They’re grinding just as hard as we are.”

With the added exposure of being on UFC Fight Pass and being a titleholder, Waterson realizes that she’s one of the most recognizable fighters in women’s MMA. Yet, while many of her peers have resorted to trash talking and disrespecting their opponents, Waterson has chosen a different approach.

“There’s a time and place for everything,” she stated. “I think it’s important to stand up for what you believe in and be a strong role model for all of your fans. I hope that I can uphold my integrity. I think about my daughter and what I would like her to learn from. I think the best way to do that is through actions.

“It’s important to stand your ground and pick your battles. Do it the right way.”

Through 15 career fights and 12 victories, Waterson’s approach has worked just fine. And while she knows that her looks might be deceiving to casual fans, there’s only one thing she wants those fans to take away on Friday night.

“I want them to think that I’m one of the best female fighters in the world.”


Michelle would like to thank her husband and daughter, coaches Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn, UFC Fight Pass, her fans and her sponsors: Onnit, Americana, Dragon Do Fight Gear, Caveman Coffee and EatFitABQ.com.

Irene Aldana Out of Invicta FC 10, Bout With Marion Reneau Moved to 2015

Kansas City, Mo. – Due to a severe case of bronchitis that required hospitalization, Invicta Fighting Championships has announced that Mexican bantamweight Irene Aldana (4-1) has been forced out of a planned match-up with Marion Reneau (4-1) at Invicta FC 10 on Dec. 5 in Houston.

The bout has been rescheduled for early 2015.

Invicta FC 10 streams live on UFCFIGHTPASS.com from the Arena Theatre in Houston on Friday, Dec. 5 and is headlined by Invicta FC atomweight champion Michelle Waterson (12-3) taking on Brazilian challenger Herica Tiburcio (8-2). In the co-headline bout, red-hot bantamweight contender Tonya Evinger (14-5) meets Belgium’s Cindy Dandois (5-1).

Tickets for Invicta FC 10 are on sale now and can be purchased at the venue box office, via charge-by-phone by calling 713-772-5900 or online at arenahouston.com.

For more information, visit InvictaFC.com.


About Invicta FC:

Invicta Fighting Championships is a world championship, all-pro mixed martial rts (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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Herica Tiburcio: A Record-Setting Performance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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