Tournament Winner Felicia Spencer Honored to Join Invicta FC

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Kansas City, Mo. — The newest division in Invicta FC has a fresh face.

Joining the promotion’s lightweight division will be 24-year-old Felicia Spencer. The Canada-born, Florida-raised fighter earned a contract with the promotion after winning the Tuff-N-Uff “Future Stars of MMA” tournament on Jan. 9.

Spencer, known as “Fee-Nom,” claimed the tournament with two finishes. She submitted Leanne Foster in the opening bout, before earning a TKO over Jessica Richer in the final.

“There is no place I’d rather be signed,” Spencer said of her Invicta contract. “It means that I am going to be competing with the best in the world. It’s an honor to be part of it.”

The wins moved Spencer’s amateur record to 5-1, with five straight victories. She will make her professional debut inside the Invicta cage in 2015.

“I’m sure the rollercoaster of emotions will lead up to my debut, but I know as soon as I walk out and step in the cage, I will be beyond excited and ready to bring it on,” claimed Spencer. ” I will bring the fight to anybody. I hope to be in that cage with someone soon, so that I can earn my place on the roster.”

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 Contract a Dream Come True for Tournament Winner Amber Leibrock

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Kansas City, Mo. — “Don’t underestimate the new girl!”

Those are the words of 26-year-old Amber Leibrock, the newest addition to the Invicta FC featherweight division. The Hayward, Calif.-based fighter earned a contract with the promotion after winning the Tuff-N-Uff “Future Stars of MMA” tournament on Jan. 9.

Leibrock entered the tournament on just five days’ notice, but needed just 25 seconds to knockout Pamela Sorenson in the opening round, before edging Paola Ramirez by decision in the final.

“Signing with Invicta means everything to me,” said the Bay Area Fight Academy product. “I’ve never been so excited for anything in my life. This is my dream and it’s coming true.”

The 5-foot-11 featherweight will enter her first professional contest riding a three-fight winning streak.

“There’s no other place I would rather make my debut than the Invicta cage,” said Leibrock. “I knew that I would call Invicta home one day. I love to fight and I’m coming to fight with every last piece of my heart and soul.”

Look for Leibrock to make her Invicta debut in 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 Strawweight Champion Katja Kankaanpää Inks New Contract

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Kansas City, Mo. — Invicta’s reigning strawweight champion, Katja Kankaanpää, has signed a new contract with the promotion.

Kankaanpää, who has made three appearances in the Invicta cage, captured the 115-pound title at Invicta FC 8 in September with a fifth-round D’arce choke finish of Stephanie Eggink. The 33-year-old Finnish fighter also holds wins over Invicta veterans Juliana Carneiro Lima and Aisling Daly.

The “Killer Bunny” trains out of Team Botnia Punishment and has stopped five of her 10 career wins, including four by submission. The fighter is anxious to get back in the cage and welcomes all challengers in one of the most talented divisions in the sport.

“Invicta has given me a chance to compete at a high level and is able to offer me tough fights, so I’m very happy about them renewing my contract,” said Kankaanpää.

“I’m very motivated and I have been training hard towards defending my title many times. There are many girls in our division who want the belt and that makes me work even harder.”

And what message does she have for her future strawweight challengers?

“Train hard and believe in yourselves, but if you come to the same cage with me, you better be ready for war!”

Kankaanpää’s first title defense is expected to take place 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 Australian Bantamweight Jessica-Rose Clark

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Kansas City, Mo. — Invicta FC has added another Australian fighter to its roster.

Bantamweight Jessica-Rose Clark becomes the fourth Australian to join the promotion, following in the footsteps of Fiona Muxlow, Alex Chambers and former title challenger Bec Rawlings.

“Jessy Jess” is currently riding a three-fight winning streak with notable victories over Kate Da Silva, Rhiannon Thompson and Arlene Blencowe. She has just one defeat on her record through six professional fights.

Clark has earned multiple titles competing in her home country, but her Invicta debut will be her first international experience.

“I’m super excited to be signed with Invicta FC, but am I surprised? No I am not,” declared Clark. “I know my abilities and I know they’ve been at this level for some time now. I just can’t wait to prove so.

“I’m pumped to be fighting international opponents. I feel like every fight camp I have had, I have always been preparing to fight the girls at the highest level. I don’t just prepare for the fight at hand, I train like the best to be the best. Nobody scares me.”

So, what should Invicta fans expect to see from the Aussie in the Invicta cage?

“I can’t predict wins or losses. What I can predict though is that the crowd will be entertained. That is my guarantee to you. I’m coming to show you how Aussie girls really fight.”

Clark’s Invicta FC debut will take place 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).

Atomweight Cassie Rodish Re-signs with Invicta FC

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Kansas City, Mo. — The Invicta atomweight division is welcoming back Cassie Rodish.

The 34-year-old Iowa native has re-signed with the promotion nearly two years after her last appearance in the Invicta cage. Rodish has competed for the organization on three occasions, falling short against Simona Soukupova, but submitting Meghan Wright at the promotion’s inaugural event in 2012 and defeating Stephanie Frausto by TKO at Invicta FC 4.

Rodish has five career wins, with all five coming before the final bell. She’s won five of her last six fights and is coming off a first-round submission win over Raquel Magdaleno in October.

“I’m very excited to return to the Invicta cage,” said Rodish. “It’s such an awesome platform for women to showcase their skills. It’s hard not to be inspired when you have a room full of high level fighters ready to put it all on the line.

“It’s been almost two years since my last Invicta fight, but I’m constantly evolving in the gym and sharpening my tools. I never want to be the same fighter in the cage twice. If you thought you had my number figured out, just wait! I’m excited for this opportunity and I’m not going to let it slip through my finger tips.”

Rodish’s return to the Invicta cage will take place 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).

Unbeaten Emily Corso Added to Invicta Flyweight Division

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Kansas City, Mo. — The Invicta FC flyweight roster has added another fighter.

Unbeaten Emily Corso is the latest combatant to join the expanding 125-pound division. The 26-year-old Oregon fighter carries a perfect 4-0 record in her professional career. She also went 9-1 as an amateur. All four of her pro wins have come via submission within the last calendar year.

Known as “The Mantis Shrimp,” Corso is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt and trains out of World Class Athletics. She has held titles with numerous local promotions and will look to quickly rise up the Invicta flyweight ranks.

“I remember watching Invicta cards years ago and musing with friends how getting signed with Invicta would be the holy grail of an MMA career — real proof that you’ve ‘made it’ as a fighter. I’m grateful to have my chance to climb into the cage with the best in the business.

“I’m thrilled about the possible opponents that I’ll have with Invicta. I have the utmost respect for the women of my division. I believe I’ve earned the opportunity to meet my idols as equals and I look forward to showing Invicta’s athletes and fans why that is.”

Look for Corso’s Invicta FC debut in 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).

Sharon Jacobson Latest Addition to Invicta FC Flyweight Roster

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Kansas City, Mo. — The flyweight division continues to expand as Invicta Fighting Championships has signed another 125-pound fighter.

Sharon Jacobson is the newest athlete to sign with the promotion. The 31-year-old is a former U.S. Nationals wrestling champion and Army Combatives veteran. She will enter the promotion on the heels of a dominant, 44-second TKO win in July.

A California native that attended Valhalla High School, Jacobson moved to Colorado Springs, Colo., in pursuit of Olympic glory. Her desire for competition led the wrestling stalwart to mixed martial arts. In her two-fight professional career she has competed against the likes of current Invicta contender DeAnna Bennett.

“I’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” said Jacobson. “I’m proud to be a part of Invicta. It’s a good milestone for me.

“I’m here and I’m ready to fight.”

Jacobson is expected to make her 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).

Brazil’s Mariana Morais Joins Invicta FC Flyweight Ranks

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Kansas City, Mo. — The flyweight division of Invicta Fighting Championships has received another boost.

Brazilian Mariana Morais has signed a contract to compete in the Invicta cage. The 19-year-old fighter from São Paulo has amassed an 8-2 professional record while primarily competing in her native country. She holds the rank of blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and trains under the tutelage of Gilliard “Paraná” at PRVT in Curitiba.

Morais will join the already stacked 125-pound weight class riding a four-fight winning streak. Five of her eight career wins have come via submission. Among her past opponents is current Invicta combatant Jennifer Maia.

“Signing with Invicta is something that all female fighters look forward to,” said Morais. “Invicta is the pinnacle of female MMA and the main outlet for female talent growth in the sport. This is my chance to show that I’m ready to fight among the best fighters in the world.

“I have all the respect in the world for all [the fighters], but I’m coming in to leave my stamp on the division.”

Morais will make her 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).

2014 Invicta FC Fan’s Choice Awards

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Now that 2014 is in the books, it’s time to reflect on some of the great fights and performances that took place inside the Invicta cage over the last year.

Over the last week, we asked you, the fans, to help determine winners in five categories: Fighter of the Year, Fight of the Year, Knockout of the Year, Submission of the Year and Upset of the Year.

The votes have been tallied and your voices have been heard. Let’s take a look at the winners.

Upset of the Year

Brazil’s Herica Tiburcio scored the year’s biggest upset in December. The 22-year-old shocked the MMA world with her third-round submission win over Michelle Waterson at Invicta FC 10 to capture the Invicta atomweight title.

Tiburcio edged out red-hot bantamweight Tonya Evinger, who spoiled the 135-pound debut of Brazilian Ediane Gomes at Invicta FC 8 with a first-round armbar finish.

Submission of the Year

The year’s top submission award went to Mexican bantamweight Irene Aldana. The hard-hitting fighter battered opponent Peggy Morgan from the opening bell of their Invicta FC 8 contest, setting up the fight-finishing rear-naked choke.

Aldana’s dominant performance beat out newly crowned strawweight champion Katja Kankaanpää’s d’arce choke finish of Stephanie Eggink.

Knockout of the Year

There was little debate as to which fighter earned the nod for knockout of the year. Mexico’s Alexa Grasso joined her Lobo Gym teammate Irene Aldana, taking the first of three awards, for her violent finish of Alida Gray at Invicta FC 10.

Grasso’s big victory topped DeAnna Bennett’s win over Michelle Ould from Invicta FC 8.

Fight of the Year

Alexa Grasso’s win over Alida Gray was enough to secure the knockout of the year award, but it was her hard-fought Invicta debut against a very game Ashley Cummins at Invicta FC 8 that was voted as the fight of the year.

Cummins pushed the undefeated Mexican fighter for the full 15 minutes, but when it was all said and done, Grasso walked away with the decision win. The back-and-forth battle bested another strawweight war between Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Mizuki Inoue for the honor.

Fighter of the Year

There were many deserving candidates for this year’s fighter of the year award. From champions Herica Tiburcio and Katja Kankaanpää to the resurgent Tonya Evinger and Roxanne Modafferi, all the nominees made a strong case inside the Invicta cage in 2014.

Yet, once again, it was unbeaten strawweight Alexa Grasso who earned your votes as the fighter of the year. The 21-year-old Mexican fighter moved her record to 6-0 with wins over Ashley Cummins and Alida Gray in her two bouts in the Invicta cage.

Thanks to all of you that voted! Remember you can go back and re-live all of the year’s action on UFC Fight Pass.

Strawweight Lynn Alvarez Returns to Invicta FC

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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).