Invicta FC 14 Evinger Hand Raise

Invicta FC 17: Evinger vs. Schneider Full Fight Card

Kansas City, Mo. — The lineup for Invicta Fighting Championships 17 is complete.

Three additional fights have been added to the stacked lineup. The match-ups were revealed on the latest episode of Invicta FC Radio.

Flyweight knockout artist Christine “Knuckles” Stanley (4-1) returns to the Invicta cage to take on Colorado’s Shannon Sinn (2-2). Also at 125 pounds, Hawaiian Rachael Ostovich (2-2) meets promotional newcomer Ariel Beck (3-2). Finally, England’s Laura Howarth (2-1) steps into the Invicta cage for the first time against Alexa Conners (0-0) in a bantamweight fight.

The bouts join the previously announced headlining bantamweight title fight between champion Tonya Evinger (17-5) and California’s own Colleen Schneider (10-6), as well as a strawweight championship affair between unbeaten champion Livia Renata Souza (9-0) and UFC veteran Angela “Overkill” Hill (4-2).

The complete fight card for Invicta FC 17 can be found below:

Bantamweight Title: Tonya Evinger (17-5) vs. Colleen Schneider (10-6)
Strawweight Title: Livia Renata Souza (9-0) vs. Angela Hill (4-2)
Strawweight: MIZUKI (11-4) vs. Aline Serio (9-5)
Featherweight: Latoya Walker (5-0) vs. Charmaine Tweet (8-5)
Atomweight: Tessa Simpson (4-1) vs. Julia Jones (4-0)
Featherweight: Amanda Bell (3-3) vs. Megan Anderson (5-2)
Flyweight: Christine Stanley (4-1) vs. Shannon Sinn (2-2)
Flyweight: Rachael Ostovich (2-2) vs. Ariel Beck (3-2)
Bantamweight: Laura Howarth (2-1) vs. Alexa Conners (0-0)

The event takes place Saturday, May 7, from The Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif. Tickets for the event, available for $100, $75, $55, and $35, are currently on sale at CageTix.com.

Follow Invicta on Twitter (@InvictaFights), Facebook (Facebook.com/InvictaFights), or Instagram (@InvictaFC) for all the latest details on the event.


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.

VanSoest

Tiffany Van Soest Joins Invicta FC Strawweight Division

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

Decorated striker Tiffany Van Soest has signed to compete in the strawweight division.

The 27-year-old has yet to make her professional MMA debut, but is a decorated Muay Thai and Shorin-ryu karate practitioner, previously holding the WBC Muay Thai International Super Bantamweight Championship, as well as Lion Fight’s Super Bantamweight and Featherweight titles.

“I am beyond thrilled to have this incredible opportunity,” said Van Soest. “Striking has always been my passion and my official MMA debut has been greatly anticipated. I could not be happier.”

Invicta FC President Shannon Knapp also weighed in on the newest addition to the promotion, “Tiffany is as good as they come in the Muay Thai world and now she’s testing herself as a complete martial artist against some of the top strawweights in MMA, as well. What’s not to like? The fans win here.”

Look for Van Soest to make her Invicta debut in 2016.


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), Facebook (Facebook.com/InvictaFights) and Instagram (@InvictaFC).

Souza

Invicta FC 17 Adds Strawweight Title Tilt Between Livia Renata Souza and Angela Hill

Kansas City, Mo. — The lineup for Invicta Fighting Championships 17 has added more exciting match-ups.

Joining the previously announced headlining bantamweight title fight between champion Tonya Evinger (17-5) and California’s own Colleen Schneider (10-6) will be five additional bouts.

The co-main event will feature a strawweight championship affair between unbeaten champion Livia Renata Souza (9-0) and UFC veteran Angela “Overkill” Hill (4-2). Brazil’s Souza made the first defense of her belt in January at Invicta FC 15, when she stopped the previously undefeated DeAnna Bennett by first-round TKO. Making her appearance on a third straight Invicta FC card, the challenger Hill has been on a tear since debuting for the organization, knocking out veteran Alida Gray and former title challenger Stephanie Eggink en route to the championship opportunity.

Also in the strawweight division, Japan’s MIZUKI (11-4) looks to capitalize on her Invicta FC 15 win over Lacey Schuckman when she battles Brazilian newcomer Aline Serio (9-5).

A pair of featherweight clashes join the action as unbeaten Texan Latoya “Black Mamba” Walker (5-0) meets Canadian Charmaine “No So Sweet” Tweet (8-5), while Oregon’s Amanda “The Lady Killer” Bell (3-3) tangles with Australian Megan Anderson (5-2).

Finally, newcomers Tessa “The Typhoon” Simpson (4-1) and Julia “Jewels” Jones (4-0) match-up in an atomweight bout.

The current fight card for Invicta FC 17 can be found below:

Bantamweight Title: Tonya Evinger (17-5) vs. Colleen Schneider (10-6)
Strawweight Title: Livia Renata Souza (9-0) vs. Angela Hill (4-2)
Strawweight: MIZUKI (11-4) vs. Aline Serio (9-5)
Featherweight: Latoya Walker (5-0) vs. Charmaine Tweet (8-5)
Atomweight: Tessa Simpson (4-1) vs. Julia Jones (4-0)
Featherweight: Amanda Bell (3-3) vs. Megan Anderson (5-2)

The event takes place Saturday, May 7, from The Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif. Tickets for the event, available for $100, $75, $55, and $35, are currently on sale at CageTix.com.

Three additional bouts for Invicta FC 17 will be announced later this week via Invicta FC Radio, which is available via Soundcloud or iTunes.

Follow Invicta on Twitter (@InvictaFights), Facebook (Facebook.com/InvictaFights), or Instagram (@InvictaFC) for all the latest details on the event.


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.

Lee

Invicta FC Statement on Andrea Lee

On Thursday, March 31, Invicta Fighting Championships was notified by the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) that flyweight fighter Andrea Lee tested positive for the presence of prohibited diuretics in her pre-fight drug test at Invicta FC 16.

As a result of the positive test, Lee’s license has been temporarily suspended by NAC with a disciplinary hearing forthcoming. Invicta FC will fully cooperate with the NAC on the matter and supports Lee’s right to due process.

Invicta FC consistently informs its athletes about established policies and expectations in regard to conduct, including the strictly prohibited use of performance enhancing drugs, stimulants and masking agents. This positive test represents a violation of those policies.


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), Facebook (Facebook.com/InvictaFights), and Instagram (@InvictaFC).

Evinger

Tonya Evinger vs. Colleen Schneider Headlines Invicta FC 17 on May 7

Kansas City, Mo. — The date and location of Invicta Fighting Championships 17 have been set.

The promotion will once again land at The Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif., on Saturday, May 7.

The event will be headlined by a bantamweight title fight pitting champion Tonya Evinger (17-5) against California’s own Colleen Schneider (10-6).

Evinger enters her first title defense riding an eight-fight winning streak, including six finishes. The 31-year-old captured 135-pound gold at Invicta FC 13 with a fourth-round TKO of Irene Aldana. In her most recent outing, Evinger stopped Sweden’s Pannie Kianzad at Invicta FC 14 in a non-title affair.

The challenger Schneider will step into her title challenge having won four straight of her own. She was in action at Invicta FC 15 in January, earning a decision win over Raquel Pa’aluhi and securing her place as the No. 1 contender for Evinger’s belt.

Additional bouts for the event will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets for Invicta FC 17 are currently on sale at CageTix.com. Follow Invicta on Twitter (@InvictaFights), Facebook (Facebook.com/InvictaFights), or Instagram (@InvictaFC) for more details on the event.


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.

Ayaka Hamasaki vs Amber Brown

Invicta FC 16 Results: Hamasaki Retains, Maia Captures Gold

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).

Hamasaki

Invicta FC 16: Hamasaki vs. Brown Official Weigh-in Results

Las Vegas — On Thursday, March 10, Invicta Fighting Championships hosted the weigh-ins for Invicta FC 16: Hamasaki vs. Brown, which takes place Friday, March 10, from the Trinidad Pavilion at Tropicana Las Vegas. The event will stream live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass at 8:30 p.m. ET.

The main event will see recently crowned atomweight champion Ayaka Hamasaki (12-1) make her first title defense against the hard-charging Amber Brown (6-1). Japan’s Hamasaki captured gold last July with a decision win over Herica Tiburcio at Invicta FC 13. Brown, meanwhile, has won three straight in the Invicta cage, including back-to-back, first-round submission finishes. She topped Shino VanHoose at Invicta FC 15 in January via guillotine choke.

In the co-main event, the promotion will crown an interim flyweight champion as Brazilians Vanessa Porto (18-6) and Jennifer Maia (12-4-1) face off. Both fighters enter the match-up riding three-fight winning streaks. Porto was most recently in action against Roxanne Modafferi at Invicta FC 12, while Maia will return to the Invicta cage after three bouts in her home country.

Below are the results of the event’s weigh-ins, which were held at the Tropicana Hotel Lounge.

Atomweight Title: Ayaka Hamasaki (104.9) vs. Amber Brown (104.7)
Interim Flyweight Title: Vanessa Porto (124.4) vs. Jennifer Maia (124.6)
Strawweight: Stephanie Eggink (115) vs. Angela Hill (115)
Bantamweight:* Irene Aldana (136.6) vs. Jessamyn Duke (134.9)
Flyweight: Roxanne Modafferi (125.1) vs. DeAnna Bennett (124.5)
Atomweight:* Herica Tiburcio (106.9) vs. Jinh Yu Frey (105.5)
Flyweight: Andrea Lee (125.3) vs. Sarah D’Alelio (125.2)
Bantamweight: Kelly McGill (135.3) vs. Aspen Ladd (135.9)
Strawweight: Ashley Greenway (115.4) vs. Sarah Click (115.8)

* – these bouts were contracted at 136 and 106 pounds, respectively. With the commission’s one-pound allowance, both fights are official.


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).

Hill vs Gray_004

Invicta FC 16 Adds Angela Hill and Aspen Ladd

Kansas City, Mo. — The fight card for Invicta Fighting Championships 16 has changed following injuries to two fighters.

Angela Hill (3-2) and Aspen Ladd (2-0) will step in as replacements for Alexa Grasso (7-0) and Amberlynn Orr (0-0), respectively.

Hill made her promotional debut earlier in 2016, knocking out Alida Gray at Invicta FC 15 in January. The UFC veteran will take on former title challenger Stephanie Eggink.

The unbeaten Ladd will move up from flyweight to take on fellow undefeated fighter Kelly McGill in a bantamweight match-up. Ladd has scored back-to-back finishes inside the Invicta cage, most recently submitting Amanda Bobby Cooper at Invicta FC 14 in September of last year.

Invicta FC 16 will see recently crowned atomweight champion Ayaka Hamasaki (12-1) make her first title defense against the hard-charging Amber Brown (6-1). In the co-main event, the promotion will crown an interim flyweight champion as Brazilians Vanessa Porto (18-6) and Jennifer Maia (12-4-1) face off.

The event takes place from the Trinidad Pavilion at Tropicana Las Vegas on Friday, March 11. It will stream live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET.

The updated fight card for Invicta FC 16 can be found below:

Atomweight Title: Ayaka Hamasaki (12-1) vs. Amber Brown (6-1)
Interim Flyweight Title: Vanessa Porto (18-6) vs. Jennifer Maia (12-4-1)
Strawweight: Stephanie Eggink (4-2) vs. Angela Hill (3-2)
Bantamweight: Irene Aldana (5-2) vs. Jessamyn Duke (3-3)
Flyweight: Roxanne Modafferi (18-12) vs. DeAnna Bennett (8-1)
Atomweight: Herica Tiburcio (9-3) vs. Jinh Yu Frey (4-1)
Flyweight: Andrea Lee (4-1) vs. Sarah D’Alelio (8-6)
Bantamweight: Kelly McGill (2-0) vs. Aspen Ladd (2-0)
Strawweight: Ashley Greenway (0-0) vs. Sarah Click (0-0)

Tickets for Invicta FC 16 are available for purchase at the Tropicana Las Vegas Show Tickets desk, by calling 800-829-9034, or online at troplv.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).

IFC16

Invicta FC Returns to Las Vegas on March 11

Kansas City, Mo. — Invicta Fighting Championships is headed back to Sin City for its 16th event.

Today the promotion announced that it will visit the Trinidad Pavilion at Tropicana Las Vegas on Friday, March 11. The event will stream live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET.

The main event will see recently crowned atomweight champion Ayaka Hamasaki (12-1) make her first title defense against the hard-charging Amber Brown (6-1). Japan’s Hamasaki captured gold last July with a decision win over Herica Tiburcio at Invicta FC 13. Brown, meanwhile, has won three straight in the Invicta cage, including back-to-back, first-round submission finishes. She topped Shino VanHoose at Invicta FC 15 in January via guillotine choke.

In the co-main event, the promotion will crown an interim flyweight champion as Brazilians Vanessa Porto (18-6) and Jennifer Maia (12-4-1) face off. Both fighters enter the match-up riding three-fight winning streaks. Porto was most recently in action against Roxanne Modafferi at Invicta FC 12, while Maia will return to the Invicta cage after three bouts in her home country.

The rest of the card is stacked with exciting match-ups. Unbeaten Mexican phenom Alexa Grasso (7-0) meets former title challenger Stephanie Eggink (4-2) at strawweight, recent bantamweight title combatant Irene Aldana (5-2) welcomes UFC veteran Jessamyn Duke (3-3) back to the promotion, veteran Roxanne Modafferi (18-12) will face DeAnna Bennett (8-1) in her return to the flyweight division, former atomweight champion Herica Tiburcio (9-3) takes on Jinh Yu Frey (4-1), and Andrea Lee (4-1) will clash with Sarah D’Alelio (8-6) in her flyweight debut.

Rounding out the card, bantamweight Kelly McGill (2-0) returns from injury to meet newcomer Amberlynn Orr (0-0), while strawweights Ashley Greenway (0-0) and Sarah Click (0-0) make their professional debuts.

The fight card for Invicta FC 16 can be found below:

Atomweight Title: Ayaka Hamasaki (12-1) vs. Amber Brown (6-1)
Interim Flyweight Title: Vanessa Porto (18-6) vs. Jennifer Maia (12-4-1)
Strawweight: Alexa Grasso (7-0) vs. Stephanie Eggink (4-2)
Bantamweight: Irene Aldana (5-2) vs. Jessamyn Duke (3-3)
Flyweight: Roxanne Modafferi (18-12) vs. DeAnna Bennett (8-1)
Atomweight: Herica Tiburcio (9-3) vs. Jinh Yu Frey (4-1)
Flyweight: Andrea Lee (4-1) vs. Sarah D’Alelio (8-6)
Bantamweight: Kelly McGill (2-0) vs. Amberlynn Orr (0-0)
Strawweight: Ashley Greenway (0-0) vs. Sarah Click (0-0)

Tickets for Invicta FC 16 go on sale Friday, Feb. 19. Tickets will be available for purchase at the Tropicana Las Vegas Show Tickets desk, by calling 800-829-9034, or online at troplv.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).

Cyborg vs Ibragimova_012

Invicta FC 15 Results: Cyborg, Souza Retain Belts With First-Round Finishes

Costa Mesa, Calif. — On Saturday, Jan. 16, Invicta Fighting Championships hosted Invicta FC 15: Cyborg vs. Ibragimova from the The Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center. The event streamed live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass at 9 p.m. ET.

In a match-up that featured two dominant finishers, Brazilian Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino stopped Russia’s Daria Ibragimova with just two seconds left in the opening stanza to retain her featherweight title. Ibragimova swung for the fences from the opening bell, then changed levels for a takedown attempt. Cyborg showcased great balance, but the Russian was relentless. Cyborg delivered short punches and elbows that damaged the left eye of Ibragimova. Ibragimova continued to try to get the fight to the mat, but Cyborg’s punishment took its toll. Late in the round, a right hand from Cyborg dropped the Russian and a pair of follow-up punches halted the contest.

Invicta strawweight champion Livia Renata Souza wasted little time in her first title defense, ending the unbeaten run of challenger DeAnna Bennett with a violent, first-round TKO finish. Bennett came forward with flurries to open the bout, but Souza defended well. A body kick from Souza landed flush to Bennett’s liver and sent her falling the ground. Souza rained hammerfists, forcing the stoppage just 90 seconds into the fight.

Bantamweight Colleen Schneider put together the most complete performance of her Invicta tenure, edging the ever-tough Raquel Pa’aluhi by split decision. Schneider’s counter striking was on display throughout the affair, as she quickly opened a cut between the eyes of Pa’aluhi. Pa’aluhi tried to take the fight to the mat over and over, but Schneider showcased great balance and scrambling. An elbow from Schneider caused blood to leak from the nose of Pa’aluhi. Midway through the fight, the left eye of the Hawaiian swelled badly as Schneider began to target it with punches. Pa’aluhi never stopped coming forward and looking for takedowns, but in the end, it was Schneider who claimed the win on the scorecards.

Amber Brown continued to move up the atomweight ladder with quick finish of promotional newcomer Shino VanHoose. Brown landed a left hand early and backed the 20-year-old against the cage. VanHoose left her neck exposed and Brown latched onto it. VanHoose scored with a trip and landed on top, but Brown maintained her grip on the neck. As Brown recovered her full guard, VanHoose was forced to tap.

Strawweights Mizuki Inoue and Lacey Schuckman engaged in a back-and-forth affair, with Japan’s Mizuki claiming a third-round submission via armbar. Schuckman earned a big takedown in the first round and even briefly took Mizuki’s back. Mizuki escaped and gained top position. She attacked with an armbar, but Schuckman countered with an inverted triangle attempt from her back. In the second and third rounds, Mizuki took control, tossing Schuckman to the mat and delivering heavy ground and pound. She repeatedly looked for the armbar finish and late in the final frame, she coerced the tap from Schuckman.

In her Invicta FC debut, UFC veteran Angela Hill wasted little time sending a message to the rest of the division, stopping Alida Gray in under two minutes. The pair traded single shots early, but a right hand from Hill stunned Gray. She smelled blood in the water and went for the finish. A series of knees and punches connected, but it was a knee to the body that sent Gray crashing to the canvas.

Kicking off the action, featherweights Megan Anderson and Amber Leibrock went to war. Leibrock rocked Anderson early with a right hand, but the Australian responded by initiating the clinch and punishing Leibrock with knees and elbows. Anderson’s pressure along the cage took its toll on Leibrock, as did repeated kicks to her lead leg. Midway through the third round, Anderson delivered a big knee that dropped Leibrock and she swarmed with punches to earn the TKO.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino def. Daria Ibragimova by knockout (punches). Round 1, 4:58 – for featherweight title
Livia Renata Souza def. DeAnna Bennett by TKO (body kick and punches). Round 1, 1:30 – for strawweight title
Colleen Schneider def. Raquel Pa’aluhi by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Amber Brown def. Shino VanHoose by submission (guillotine choke). Round 1, 2:36
Mizuki Inoue def. Lacey Schuckman by submission (armbar). Round 3, 3:41
Angela Hill def. Alida Gray by knockout (knee to the body). Round 1, 1:39
Megan Anderson def. Amber Leibrock by TKO (strikes). Round 3, 2:33


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).