News-Invicta-FC-12-Results

Invicta FC 12 Results: Livia Renata Souza Submits Katja Kankaanpรครค to Claim Strawweight Title

Kansas City, Mo.ย โ€“ Invicta Fighting Championships returned to the Municipal Auditorium on Friday, April 24ย forย Invicta FC 12: Kankaanpรครค vs. Souza.ย The eventย streamed live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass.

A new champion was crowned in the strawweight division as Brazil’sย Livia Renata Souza submitted Finland’s Katja Kankaanpรครค in the fourth round. Souza attacked the champion from the opening bell, taking the fight to the ground and takingย Kankaanpรครค’s back.ย Kankaanpรครคย showed heart and defended rear-naked choke attempts. The momentum swung towardย Kankaanpรครค as the fight progressed. She used a smothering top game in the middle frames, delivering short shots and keeping Souza from mounting offense. In round four, Souza again found herself on her back, but she slapped on a triangle choke andย Kankaanpรครค was forced to tap and relinquish her belt.

Brazilian Vanessa Porto exacted revenge onย Roxanne Modafferi, claiming a decision win in the pair’s rematch. Porto used her leg kicks to slowย Modafferi’s movement and mixed in takedowns in each of the first two rounds.ย Modafferi countered with flurries, bloodying the nose of Porto. A right hand from Porto clippedย Modafferi in round two, but she survived and pushed hard in the third round.ย Modafferi’s efforts were not enough as Porto took the fight on the judges’ scorecards.

New Zealand’s Faith Van Duin earned a big win in her Invicta debut, submitting Amanda Bell in the second round with a schoolyard choke. Van Duin put Bell on the mat early in the fight and threatened with an armbar. Bell escaped and reversed the position, dropping big hammerfists on the Kiwi. In the second round, Van Duin caught a kick and took Bell down again. She locked onto Bell’s neck and coerced a tap.

Raquel Pa’aluhi continued her march up the bantamweight ladder, edging Brazilian Ediane Gomes by unanimous decision. The Hawaiian scored with right hands and a big throw in the opening stanza, but Gomes countered with a heel hook attempt. In round two,ย Pa’aluhi hurt Gomes badly with a body shot and flurried hard for a finish. Gomes managed to recover and put together a strong final round. It wasn’t enough; however, asย Pa’aluhi took home the victory on the scorecards.

Featherweight Latoya Walker remained unbeaten, edging Peggy Morgan by unanimous decision. Morgan used her reach to keep Walker at bay early, but Walker found her range and connected repeatedly with her overhand right. She rocked Morgan badly in round two, but could not find the finish. Morgan’s face wore the damage from Walker’s heavy shots as the fight went the distance.

Lacey Schuckman returned to the Invicta cage and needed less than two minutes to score a TKO win over Jenny Liou. Schuckman was aggressive early with her strikes, wobbling Liou with a flurry. She was patient with her follow-up punches, battering Liou against the cage and forcing the stoppage.

In her Invicta debut, strawweight Sharon Jacobson used a mix of aggressive striking and powerful wrestling to defeat a scrappy Delaney Owen. Jacobson overpowered Owen early, but Owen showed resolve and clipped Jacobson with a heavy shot that damaged her right eye. Jacobson went to her wrestling game and was able to claim a sweep on the scorecards.

Former training partners Shannon Sinn and Maureen Riordon went to war, with Sinn claiming the unanimous decision win. The two flyweights traded heavy shots from the opening bell, with Sinn landing more frequently. Riordon never stopped marching forward, but Sinnโ€™s combinations and clinch work were the difference on the scorecards.

In a battle of promotional newcomers, Sijara Eubanks used her grappling prowess to set up a finish with her hands, handing Gina Begley a first-round TKO loss. Begley scored early on the feet, but once Eubanks took the fight to the mat, Eubanks delivered heavy shots and forced the referee to intervene.

OFFICIALย RESULTS

Livia Renata Souza def. Katja Kankaanpรครค by submission (triangle choke). Round 4, 3:58 – for strawweight title
Vanessa Porto def. Roxanne Modafferi by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Faith Van Duin def. Amanda Bell by submission (schoolyard choke). Round 2, 0:38
Raquel Pa’aluhi def. Ediane Gomes by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Latoya Walker def. Peggy Morgan by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Lacey Schuckman def. Jenny Liou by TKO (strikes). Round 1, 1:53
Sharon Jacobson def. Delaney Owen by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Shannon Sinn def. Maureen Riordon by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Sijara Eubanks def. Gina Begley by TKO (strikes). Round 1, 4:59


About Invicta FC:

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

News-Invicta-FC-12-WeighIns

Invicta FC 12: Kankaanpรครค vs. Souza Official Weigh-in Results

Kansas City, Mo.ย โ€“ย On Thursday, April 23, Invicta Fighting Championships hosted the weigh-ins for Invicta FC 12: Kankaanpรครค vs. Souza, which takes place Friday,ย April 24,ย from the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.

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

Below are the results of the eventโ€™s weigh-ins which were held at the Aladdinย Hotel.

Strawweightย Title:ย Katja Kankaanpรครค (114.6) vs. Livia Renata Souza (113.9)
Flyweight:ย Roxanne Modafferi (125.7) vs.ย Vanessa Porto (126.5)*
Featherweight:ย Amanda Bell (146) vs. Faith Van Duin (145.6)
Bantamweight: Ediane Gomes (134.8) vs. Raquel Pa’aluhi (135.9)+
Featherweight: Peggy Morganย (145.7) vs. Latoya Walker (146.5)^
Strawweight:ย Lacey Schuckman (114.8) vs. Jenny Liou (118.2)#
Strawweight:ย Delaney Owen (114) vs. Sharon Jacobson (115.6)
Flyweight:ย Shannon Sinn (125.3) vs. Maureen Riordon (125.5)
Bantamweight:ย Gina Begleyย (135.5) vs. Sijara Eubanks (135)

* Porto weighed in at 128.6 on her first attempt and was fined 25 percent of her purse
+ Pa’aluhi weighed in at 136.1 on her first attempt and was fined 15 percent of her purse
^ Walker weighed in at 146.6 on her first attempt and was fined 25 percent of her purse
# Liou elected not to weigh-in again and was fined 25 percent of her purse

News-Marina-Shafir-Signing

Featherweight Marina Shafir Signs with Invicta FC

Kansas City, Mo.ย โ€” There’s a new arrival in the Invicta FC 145-pound weight class as decorated judoka Marina Shafir has signed with the promotion.

The Moldova native, who trains alongside UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey, began competing in MMA in 2012 following a lengthy career in judo. She rattled off five straight, first-round armbar finishes as an amateur before turning pro in 2014.

As a professional, the California-based fighter has earned a first-round finish overย Chandra Engel and has locked horns with current Invicta fighter Amanda Bell.

Training out of Glendale Fighting Club, the 27-year-old is expected to make her promotional debut in 2015.


About Invicta FC:

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

News-Cassie-Rodish-Stephanie-Skinner-Cancelled

Invicta FC 12 Loses Cassie Rodish vs. Stephanie Skinner

Kansas City, Mo.ย โ€“ The fight card for Invicta FC 12 has undergone a last-minute change.

Atomweight Stephanie Skinner (4-5) has suffered an injury in training and her bout against Cassie Rodish (5-4) has been pulled from the event. The match-up was to serve as Skinner’s promotional debut, while Rodish was slated to return to the Invicta cage for the first time since 2013.

Invicta FC 12ย takes placeย Friday, April 24,ย from the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. The event will stream live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass. In the night’s main event, strawweight champion Katja Kankaanpรครค (10-1-1) will look to defend her title for the first time against unbeaten Brazilian Livia Renata Souza (7-0).

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

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


About Invicta FC:

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

News-Katja-Kankaanpaa-Exceeding-Expectations

Katja Kankaanpรครค: Exceeding Expectations

Sports, by their nature, are about the spirit of competition. Yet, the reasons that athletes choose to participate vary greatly from one to the next.

For some, it’s the drive for first place. Those are the same people that race from stoplight to stoplight like their life depends on it. Others seek an outlet from the daily grind, a way to separate from reality, even for a moment.

Then there’s the unexpected success stories. Where an interest turns into a hobby and before long, the hobby turns into a career. This is where you’ll find Finland’s Katja Kankaanpรครค.

The 33-year-old Invicta FC strawweight champion started her foray into martial arts with karate. Then submission wrestling. And finally MMA. But she never expected to stand atop the 115-pound division.

“My intention was to take just a few amateur fights,” explained Kankaanpรครค. “But plans changed along the way.

“I didn’t even dare to imagine that I would be fighting at such a high level and be a champion.”

Fighting professionally since 2010, “Killer Bunny” tore through the competition in Europe, earning her a place in the Invicta cage. In her third appearance with the promotion, Kankaanpรครค was tabbed to compete for the vacant strawweight belt.

The Finn battled opponent Stephanie Eggink into the fifth and final round at Invicta FC 8 last September. Even with the stakes at their highest, Kankaanpรครค remained calm, cool and collected.

“I had no pressure going to the fifth round. My corner gave me simple direction: just fight, not to give up,” explained Kankaanpรครค.

“I knew that I had to finish the fight to win. Even if I won the fifth round, I probably would’ve lost by decision.”

In the final round, Kankaanpรครค ensured there would be no need for the scorecards, submitting Eggink with a D’arce choke and capturing the title.

“It felt amazing,” recalled the champion. “It was something that I couldn’t imagine beforehand. Think I will never feel the same again cause it was something so unique.”

By winning the belt, Kankaanpรครค became not only the first Finnish title holder in Invicta history, but also the first European to wear gold. Despite the history-making performance, she humbly discounted the achievement.

“There are good fighters from Europe and Finland and I’m one them,” she declared. “When you have a good team behind you, you’re motivated and have high level skills, you will succeed wherever you’re from.

“[I] just want to show that dedication and hard work pays in the end; that I earned my place at the top.”

On Friday, April 24, Kankaanpรครค will again have the chance to showcase her skills and her hard work. She’ll defend her title for the first time against unbeaten Brazilian Livia Renata Souza in the main event of Invicta FC 12 in Kansas City, Mo.

“She’s a very good opponent for me and will put my skills to the test,” proclaimed the fighter. “I think there are no easy fights at this level anymore. She is very active and will want to submit me, but I’m not an easy win.

“I want to show that I’m the champion.”

Against Souza, Kankaanpรครค will find herself facing another grappler. It’s a change of pace after facing decorated stand-up practitioners Joanne Calderwood and the aforementioned Eggink in her last two Invicta contests.

“It’s nice to be able to fight against different type of fighters,” said Kankaanpรครค. “My last two fights have been against strikers and now I get to fight against same type of a fighter as me and I feel very good about it. I’m looking forward to the fight.”

To add to the challenge of defending her belt, the bout with Souza will mark the first time that Kankaanpรครค will headline an Invicta card. However, the bigger stakes aren’t affecting the champion.

“[There’s] no extra pressure. Actually I’m very excited about it and I’m very honored for this opportunity,” said the Finnish fighter.

“I hope to put up a good fight for all the fans. Hopefully I won’t be in such dangerous situations in this fight that I was in the last one, but hope the fight will be full of action.”

If Kankaanpรครค’s past fights are any indication, she’ll put on a show on April 24. And like so many aspects of her career, it’ll once again eclipse what she expects to happen.


Katja would like to thank all of her fans and family who have supported and encouraged her along the way. Also her teammates, manager and coaches, and her sponsors who have supported her throughout her career.

News-Gina-Begley-Steps-In

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

Kansas City, Mo.ย โ€“ย Invicta Fighting Championships today announced a change to the fight cardย for Invicta FC 12, which takes placeย Friday, April 24,ย from the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.

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

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

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

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

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


About Invicta FC:

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

New-Roxanne-Modafferi-Reborn

Roxanne Modafferi: The Happy Warrior Reborn

For thousands of years, there have been fables of the phoenix โ€” a mythical bird of great beauty โ€” that would burn into a pile of ashes at the end of its life and be reborn.

The notion of a new beginning has made the phoenix a popular symbol throughout history. From Ancient Egypt and Greece to numerous religions, it represented a chance to start fresh.

In modern times, the phoenix may just be another tall tale, but what it stands for has not been lost. It has become analogous with competition in many ways. As athletes taste defeat and look to rebuild their skill sets and confidence, the parallels to rebirth are ever present.

Few can relate to the notion more than Invicta flyweight Roxanne Modafferi. An 11-year veteran of mixed martial arts competition, the 32-year-old has experienced her fair share of ups and downs in the sport.

Despite staking claim to multiple winning streaks of five or more fights, Modafferi’s career took a turn between 2010 and 2013 that saw her drop six straight โ€” not counting exhibition bouts โ€” and truly tested the resolve of “The Happy Warrior.”

“That was a very difficult stretch for me,” admitted Modafferi. “After every fight, I tried to make some kind of change to my training. I tried different striking coaches, tried more weightlifting, dropped weight classes. It just wasn’t working. I kept hope alive that my next change in my training would be the key to let me win. It was really hard.”

The difficulties that Modafferi encountered during the six-fight skid were something new to the positive-minded fighter. She had begun fighting professionally when the sport was still evolving and, thanks to her upbringing with traditional martial arts and moving to Japan after college, Modafferi’s early career was very successful.

“The gym I joined had a lot of other female fighters โ€” it was rare for that many female fighters to be in one group โ€” and they trained really hard,” recalled Modafferi of her early days overseas. “There were smaller guys (compared to Americans), so I got really good training there.

“As the sport evolved, I think the Japanese style of training didn’t evolve as quickly as the American side did. Things shifted a little bit.”

Modafferi began to notice the shift long before her losing streak reached six. It wasn’t just a different approach to training, but weight cutting, strength and conditioning and dedicated cardio training that was largely foreign to the fighter.

“I remember fighting Sarah Kaufman in Strikeforce, and she was so much stronger than me,” explained Modafferi. “I saw her cutting all this weight, like 15 pounds, and I was walking around at 140ish, only five pounds over. I remember reading about how she was training three times a day, strength and conditioning, running.

“I was just going to class after work! It was not the same!”

The loss to Kaufman prompted Modafferi to drop to flyweight, but her fortunes did not change. She continued to face many of the sport’s elite, including Invicta veterans Hitomi Akano and Takayo Hashi, as well as current Invicta 125-pound titleholder Barb Honchak. Yet, even in the midst of her skid, Modafferi was invited to take part in the reality series, “The Ultimate Fighter.”

During her time on the show, Modafferi snapped her losing streak, but only unofficially, as the bouts were considered exhibition contests. However, it was something else during TUF that set the stage for her career resurgence.

“The whole experience was a definite turning point,” declared the veteran. “It really pointed out how different my training in Japan was compared to what I could be doing in the States. I realized that if I really wanted to continue MMA, I really needed to make a bigger change.”

Although Modafferi, still competing as a bantamweight, would fall short one more time in the cage, her opportunity to rise from the ashes was already set in motion. She moved back to the United States to train under the tutelage of John Wood at Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas and inked a contract with Invicta FC.

“I chose Vegas after debating between it and California. Bryan Caraway, one of the coaches on โ€˜The Ultimate Fighter,โ€™ recommended Vegas because it’s the hub of MMA and there’s a lot of good gyms. I tried a few gyms and chose Syndicate,” said Modafferi.

One of the biggest perks of signing with Invicta was that Modafferi could again return to her natural weight class. With the benefits of her new gym, she quickly reeled off back-to-back wins in the Invicta cage over Tara LaRosa and Andrea Lee to complete her rebirth as a fighter.

“I think it’s been extremely important for me to return to flyweight,” proclaimed Modafferi. “I have a hard time gaining muscle mass; it’s not my body type. Now that I’ve learned American weight-cutting methods, I learned how to do flyweight properly. When I was in Japan, I didn’t know how to do it. In the past, I dieted it all away. I didn’t feel overwhelmed against my last couple of opponents.”

It’s more than just weight-cutting that has been the key to Modafferi’s rejuvenation. Her time with Wood at Syndicate has transformed her entire fight game in just over a year’s time.

“He was teaching me stuff from the very beginning that I was able to absorb very quickly,” acknowledged the flyweight. “That was different than all of my other training experiences. I’ve always had a hard time learning and absorbing the striking training. The way he explained it and had me do the techniques, it’s like magic.

“I’m so happy to have progressed to a higher level. I’m still not a kickboxing champion, but much better than before.”

Reinvented as a fighter and riding the momentum of the wins over LaRosa and Lee, Modafferi will rematch a familiar face, Brazilian Vanessa Porto, in the co-main event of Invicta FC 12 on April 24 in Kansas City, Mo. Modafferi scored the first and only TKO of her lengthy career when the pair met previously in 2008. She’s ready for a repeat performance.

“I’m pretty sure it’s going to be a new fight. Honestly, I don’t really remember the last fight that well,” admitted Modafferi with a laugh. “I know she’s evolved. I’ve watched tape on her. She’s very good. I’m excited to see what happens… other than me winning, ’cause I know that will happen.”

If Modafferi’s prediction holds true, she could find herself challenging for Invicta gold in the near future. After her struggles, that would exceed everything she hoped for when she joined the promotion.

“I didn’t think too much about a title shot. I just wanted to get some wins and show that you can teach an old dog new tricks,” she quipped.

However, the prospect of challenging the champion Honchak is certainly a motivator for the Delaware native. After all, Honchak is the only fighter ever to force Modafferi to submit to a choke inside the cage.

“I want to avenge all my losses, but especially that one. I didn’t perform as well as I could have,” stated Modafferi. โ€œShe was great. She choked me out, which makes me mad, ’cause that’s my favorite move. I really want to get a win against her.”

Modafferi will have to get past Porto first, but if her previous two fights are any indication, don’t count her out. She’s embodied the phoenix from the moment she first set foot in the Invicta cage and she’ll look to continue her ascension through the 125-pound ranks while leaving ashes in her wake.


Roxanne would like to thank her coach, John Wood, her training partners, her parents for always supporting her and her sponsors: Dragon Do Fighter, Remove It Restoration, Top Notch Fighter, Alienware, Okashi Connection, East & West, The Void, Killer Tendencies, Mei-Li Fighting, Lemon Badger, SkinnyFats, Herbal Papaya, Dominate Your Game, wetdryvac.net and WarTape.

News-Laura-Howarth-Signing

Invicta Bantamweight Division Adds England’s Laura Howarth

Kansas City, Mo.ย โ€” There’s another new face in the Invicta FC bantamweight division.

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

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

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

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

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


About Invicta FC:

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

News-Catherine-Costigan-Signing

Irish Atomweight Catherine Costigan Joins Invicta FC

Kansas City, Mo.ย โ€” The Invicta FC atomweight division continues to grow.

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

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

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

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

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

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


About Invicta FC:

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

News-Janaisa-Morandin-Signing

Brazilโ€™s Janaisa Morandin Added to Invicta Atomweight Division

Kansas City, Mo.ย โ€” The Invicta FC 105-pound division has added another new face.

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

โ€œEver since I watched Invicta for the first time, I knew it was exactly where I wanted to be,โ€ declared the fighter. โ€œI am so happy!โ€

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

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

Dubbed โ€œEvil Princess,โ€ the fighter has a message for her peers in the 105-pound weight class.

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

Look for Morandinโ€™s debut in 2015.


About Invicta FC:

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