Yana Kunitskaya

Invicta FC 20 Results: Kunitskaya Unseats Evinger, Hill Bests Medeiros

by NewsOfficial Results

Kansas City, Mo. — On Friday, Nov. 18, Invicta Fighting Championships hosted Invicta FC 20: Evinger vs. Kunitskaya from the historic Scottish Rite Temple. The event streamed live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

Russia’s Yana Kunitskaya stunned the bantamweight division by submitting champion Tonya Evinger in the first round to become the new titleholder. Evinger immediately took Kunitskaya to the ground as the fight began and she started to work from side control. Kunitskaya recovered her full guard and attacked with an armbar. Evinger tried to stand and escape, but Kunitskaya locked on and forced Evinger to submit less than two minutes into the fight.

UPDATE: On Thursday, Dec. 1, the Evinger-Kunitskaya fight was overturned to a no-contest by the Missouri Office of Athletics.

The strawweight title stayed around the waist of Angela Hill after five hard-fought rounds against challenger Kaline Medeiros. Medeiros came out looking to bring the fight to the ground, but once there, she was forced to defend a deep triangle attempt from the champion, as well as numerous elbows. The takedowns of Medeiros were the story of the second round, as she was able to keep Hill down on the mat. As the fight turned toward the championship rounds, it was Hill’s footwork and efficiency in her striking that were the story. She was patient and selective with her offense, frustrating Medeiros from the outside. Medeiros showed heart, coming forward until the final bell, but it wasn’t enough, as all three judges gave Hill the decision.

Former atomweight champion Herica Tiburcio showcased an improved striking attack to get the best of Simona Soukupova by unanimous decision. The Brazilian Tiburcio’s speed advantage was evident from the opening bell as she fired combination after combination. She then took Soukupova to the ground and punished her with ground and pound. It was more of the same in the middle frame as Tiburcio peppered Soukupova with punches and outside leg kicks. Soukupova found her range late in round two and carried it into round three. She pinned Tiburcio to the fence and scored with knees. It was too little, too late, however, as Tiburcio claimed victory.

Making her Invicta debut, strawweight Ashley Yoder ruined the 115-pound debut of former atomweight title challenger Amber Brown. Brown lived up to her “Bully” moniker early in the fight, powering Yoder to the canvas and moving to the mount. Yoder stayed composed, recovering her half guard and then using an omoplata to sweep to the top position. Once on top, Yoder turned the tide of the fight. The second stanza saw Yoder score with a beautiful hip toss along the cage. Brown tried to escape out the back, but Yoder used her hips to pin Brown to the mat and rained punches. Brown left her arm exposed and Yoder slapped on a deep armbar to coerce the tap.

The match-up between Pam Sorenson and Australia’s Jessica-Rose Clark was a grueling affair, with Sorenson earning a split decision win in her Invicta debut. The pair jostled for position along the fence throughout the first round as both fighters tried to wrestle the other to the ground. In round two, Clark muscled Sorenson to the mat, but it was Sorenson that went on the offensive. She repeatedly threatened with armbar attempts, preventing Clark from attacking. Sorenson’s striking was on point in the final round, as Clark’s output waned. When it was all said and done, Sorenson walked away victorious.

In her return to the promotion, strawweight J.J. Aldrich put on a boxing clinic against veteran Lynn Alvarez. Alvarez did her best to control the distance with kicks, but Aldrich was patient with her counter striking. Once Aldrich found her range with her left hand, she peppered the face of Alvarez with straight punches. Midway through the fight, the left eye of Alvarez was heavily bruised. Aldrich never slowed down; delivering a steady stream of strikes that further damaged the face of Alvarez. There was never any doubt on the scorecards as Aldrich swept the scorecards.

Bantamweight Alexa Conners got in the win column, spoiling the promotional debut of Swiss judoka Stephanie Egger. The pair spent the majority of the fight on the feet, with Conners pressing the action. Egger frequently found herself with her back to the cage, but she used her reach to keep Conners at range. As the fight progressed, Conners began attacking the body and nearly earned a stoppage in the final frame. On the scorecards, two of the three judges rewarded Conners with the split decision verdict.

Kicking off the action, strawweight Miranda Maverick submitted fellow newcomer Samantha Diaz by rear-naked choke in the first round. The pair tried to gauge their range on the feet, but Maverick eventually took the fight to the mat. She was forced to defend an armbar attempt from Diaz, but she eventually took Diaz’s back and locked in the fight-finishing choke.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
Yana Kunitskaya def. Tonya Evinger by submission (armbar). Round 1, 1:59 – for bantamweight title
Angela Hill def. Kaline Medeiros by unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 48-47) – for strawweight title
Herica Tiburcio def. Simona Soukupova by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Ashley Yoder def. Amber Brown by submission (armbar). Round 2, 2:31
Pam Sorenson def. Jessica-Rose Clark by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)
J.J. Aldrich def. Lynn Alvarez by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Alexa Conners def. Stephanie Egger by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Miranda Maverick def. Samantha Diaz by submission (rear-naked choke). Round 1, 4:26

About Invicta FC:

Invicta Fighting Championships is a world championship, all-pro mixed martial arts (MMA) fight series dedicated to providing female athletes with a major platform to hone their skills on a consistent basis. Founded in 2012 by longtime MMA executive Shannon Knapp, Invicta is committed to pioneering the future growth of women’s MMA by promoting the best possible match-ups between female competitors and identifying and developing future superstars of the sport. Follow Invicta on Twitter (@InvictaFights), Facebook (Facebook.com/InvictaFights), and Instagram (@InvictaFC) for all the latest information.

Jennifer Maia

Invicta FC 19 Results: Maia, Hamasaki Retain Titles

by NewsOfficial Results

Kansas City, Mo. — On Friday, Sept. 23, Invicta Fighting Championships hosted Invicta FC 19: Maia vs. Modafferi from the historic Scottish Rite Temple. The event streamed live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

The flyweight title clash between Jennifer Maia and Roxanne Modafferi was a closely contested affair throughout. Modafferi opened with a jumping kick and pushed Maia against the fence. Maia separated and the pair traded combination after combination. Maia scored with knees from the clinch and an uppercut on the break.  The second round saw the fight hit the ground as Modafferi got a takedown, but ended up on her back. She attacked with an armbar, but Maia was able to escape. The fight again hit the mat in round three, but Maia looked for a guillotine choke. Modafferi’s pace slowed in rounds four and five, while Maia increased her volume on the feet. That was the difference on the scorecards as two of the three judges rewarded Maia with the decision, allowing her to retain her title.

Atomweight champion Ayaka Hamasaki retained her title with a second-round stoppage of challenger Jinh Yu Frey. Frey came out hungry, kicking Hamasaki’s lead leg. Hamasaki sought to take the fight to the mat, but Frey pummeled well. Late in the first round, Hamasaki attacked with an Americana while standing. Frey took the fight to the mat and escaped the submission attempt. From top position, Frey rained punches and took the back of Hamasaki as the round expired. Round two was all Frey for the first four minutes as she frequently countered with her left hand. In the final minute of the frame, Hamasaki came alive. She rocked Frey with a pair of right hands. The second punch opened a large cut over the left eye of Frey, prompting the referee to call in the doctor. The doctor quickly halted the contest, handing Hamasaki the win.

Former bantamweight title challenger Irene Aldana continued her march back toward contention with a first-round finish of New Zealand’s Faith Van Duin. Van Duin was aggressive to start the bout, backing Aldana against the cage. Aldana settled down and began to land her right hand. She frequently wobbled Van Duin along the cage, but Van Duin would not go down. Blood poured from both fighters as the fight progressed. Van Duin’s right hand found a home, but Aldana’s pressure was too much. Late in the frame, Aldana dropped Van Duin and flurried for the TKO finish.

Veteran Kaline Medeiros handed previously undefeated Indian fighter Manjit Kolekar her first loss by unanimous decision. Medeiros pressured Kolekar early, but absorbed multiple body kicks. That prompted Medeiros to seek the takedown. She slammed Kolekar to the mat over and over again, but the Indian fighter frequently scrambled free. The final frame was a war of attrition on the feet, but the pressure and volume of Medeiros were the difference with the judges.

The professional MMA debut of kickboxing star Tiffany Van Soest did not go as planned as fellow newcomer Kal Holliday used her superior wresting and grappling to submit Van Soest in round two. Holliday’s strategy was clear as she frequently took the fight to the ground. Van Soest demonstrated solid submission defense and frequently worked back to the feet. Holliday scored with a massive suplex midway through the opening stanza, but Van Soest later answered with a nasty right hand that buckled the knees of the Oregon fighter. The second round was more of the same, as Holliday took Van Soest down and worked to her back. This time, however, Holliday was able to coerce the tap.

In a battle of atomweight newcomers, Julia Jones kept her undefeated record intact with a first-round submission win over Stephanie Skinner. Jones fired kicks from the open bell. Skinner tried to answer, but Jones caught a kick and took her to the mat. After escaping an armbar attempt from Skinner, Jones passed to the mount and then took Skinner’s back. Once there, she sunk in the rear-naked choke to finish the fight.

Featherweight Amber Leibrock gave newcomer Amy Coleman a rude welcome to the Invicta cage, earning a first-round TKO finish. Coleman pressured forward into the clinch, but Leibrock scored with knees. The judo black belt Coleman scored with a hip toss, but Leibrock would not be held down. Back in the clinch, Leibrock delivered knees to the liver, dropping Coleman. She flurried with punches to earn the stoppage.

Making her professional debut, Iceland’s Sunna Rannveig Davidsdottir showcased excellent range and slick grappling to take a decision over Ashley Greenway. It was Davidsdottir’s striking that was the story early, but she transitioned to the ground in round two. After putting Greenway on her back, she repeatedly threatened to end the fight with a rear-naked choke. Greenway survived to the final bell, but Davidsdottir swept the scorecards for her first victory.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
Jennifer Maia def. Roxanne Modafferi by split decision (48-47, 47-48, 49-46) – for flyweight title
Ayaka Hamasaki def. Jinh Yu Frey by TKO (doctor’s stoppage). Round 2, 4:38 – for atomweight title
Irene Aldana def. Faith Van Duin by TKO (punches). Round 1, 4:57
Kaline Medeiros def. Manjit Kolekar by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Kal Holliday def. Tiffany Van Soest by submission (rear-naked choke). Round 2, 2:08
Julia Jones def. Stephanie Skinner by submission (rear-naked choke). Round 1, 2:38
Amber Leibrock def. Amy Coleman by TKO (strikes). Round 1, 3:15
Sunna Rannveig Davidsdottir def. Ashley Greenway by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

About Invicta FC:

Invicta Fighting Championships is a world championship, all-pro mixed martial arts (MMA) fight series dedicated to providing female athletes with a major platform to hone their skills on a consistent basis. Founded in 2012 by longtime MMA executive Shannon Knapp, Invicta is committed to pioneering the future growth of women’s MMA by promoting the best possible match-ups between female competitors and identifying and developing future superstars of the sport. Follow Invicta on Twitter (@InvictaFights), Facebook (Facebook.com/InvictaFights), and Instagram (@InvictaFC) for all the latest information.

AK7U5543

Invicta FC 18 Results: Grasso Dominates Esquibel, Niedźwiedź Edges Stanley

by NewsOfficial Results

Kansas City, Mo. — On Friday, July 29, Invicta Fighting Championships hosted Invicta FC 18: Grasso vs. Esquibel from the historic Scottish Rite Temple. The event streamed live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

In the night’s main event, Mexico’s Alexa Grasso moved to 8-0 after outstriking Jodie Esquibel for three rounds. Grasso controlled range in the opening frame, landing her right hand at will. Esquibel struggled to get inside as Grasso scored from distance. Esquibel marched forward in round two, but Grasso made her pay with well-placed counter shots. Grasso’s heavy hands took their toll in the final round, as Esquibel’s nose poured blood. Esquibel showed a lot of heart, lasting to the final bell, but it was Grasso’s fight on the scorecards.

Polish flyweight Agnieszka Niedźwiedź remained unbeaten, topping late-notice opponent Christine Stanley by unanimous decision. Niedźwiedź peppered Stanley with jabs to open the contest, but Stanley countered with overhand rights. Once Niedźwiedź found her range, she changed levels and put Stanley on the ground. Stanley fought hard to get back to her feet, but Niedźwiedź’s takedowns were relentless. The pair continued to trade in round two, with Stanley landing the heavier shots, but she couldn’t stop the takedowns of Niedźwiedź. It was more of the same in the final frame as Niedźwiedź sealed the win on the ground.

Japan’s MIZUKI scored another big win inside the Invicta cage, submitting Lynn Alvarez by armbar. The pair opened tentatively, but MIZUKI quickly took the fight to the ground and mounted Alvarez. She scored with hammerfists and elbows, but Alvarez was able to spin into top position as the round closed. The second stanza opened with a brief firefight, before MIZUKI used a hip toss to get Alvarez to the ground. She took Alvarez’s back and then transitioned to the armbar to coerce the tap.

Cindy Dandois earned a first-round submission win against UFC veteran Jessamyn Duke. Dandois earned a takedown in the opening seconds, but Duke was able to get back to her feet. It was short-lived as Dandois earned a head-and-arm throw into side control. She slapped on a scarf hold armlock and Duke quickly tapped.

Australia’s Megan Anderson continued her march through the featherweight division, stopping UFC veteran Peggy Morgan in round one. Anderson’s power punching was on display right off the bat. Morgan tried for a takedown, but Anderson was able to separate and land with heavy shots. Morgan crashed to the canvas after a left hand, but was able to survive. She worked back to her feet, but the damage was done as her cheek swelled badly. Anderson dropped Morgan again with a right hand, earning the TKO win.

Atomweight Tessa Simpson put on a striking clinic early and survived late, taking a decision win over veteran Simona Soukupova. Simpson scored with combinations in the first rounding, turning the face of Soukupova red. It was more of the same in round two as Simpson controlled the range and Soukupova struggled to get inside. The tables turned in round three, as Soukupova began landing her right hand at will. She dropped Simpson late in the fight and flurried, but it was too little, too late, as the judges handed Simpson the victory.

Aspen Ladd kept her undefeated record intact, stopping promotional newcomer Jessica Hoy by second-round TKO. Ladd was aggressive on the feet, landing jabs and hooks. Hoy took the action to the clinch, slowing Ladd’s offense. In round two, Ladd brought the fight to the ground with a beautiful toss, landing in side control. She moved to mount and delivered a series of punches and elbows to earn the stoppage.

Kicking off the action, bantamweight Sijara Eubanks earned her second win inside the Invicta cage, spoiling the professional debut of Amberlynn Orr. Orr scored on her feet early, landing with kicks and combinations. Eubanks responded with a takedown and she quickly took over. She unleashed a barrage of punches and elbows from the crucifix position, forcing the referee to intervene.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
Alexa Grasso def. Jodie Esquibel by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Agnieszka Niedźwiedź def. Christine Stanley by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
MIZUKI def. Lynn Alvarez by submission (armbar). Round 2, 3:00
Cindy Dandois def. Jessamyn Duke by submission (scarf hold armlock). Round 1, 1:33
Megan Anderson def. Peggy Morgan by TKO (punches). Round 1, 4:09
Tessa Simpson def. Simona Soukupova by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27)
Aspen Ladd def. Jessica Hoy by TKO (strikes). Round 2, 3:14
Sijara Eubanks def. Amberlynn Orr by TKO (strikes). Round 1, 4:41

About Invicta FC:

Invicta Fighting Championships is a world championship, all-pro mixed martial arts (MMA) fight series dedicated to providing female athletes with a major platform to hone their skills on a consistent basis. Founded in 2012 by longtime MMA executive Shannon Knapp, Invicta is committed to pioneering the future growth of women’s MMA by promoting the best possible match-ups between female competitors and identifying and developing future superstars of the sport. Follow Invicta on Twitter (@InvictaFights), Facebook (Facebook.com/InvictaFights), and Instagram (@InvictaFC) for all the latest information.

Livia Renata Souza vs Angela Hill

Invicta FC 17 Results: Evinger Retains, Hill Unseats Souza

by NewsOfficial Results

Costa Mesa, Calif. — On Saturday, May 7, Invicta Fighting Championships hosted Invicta FC 17: Evinger vs. Schneider 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.

The night’s main event saw bantamweight champion Tonya Evinger endure a five-round, grueling battle with Colleen Schneider to retain her title. Evinger rocked Schneider in the opening frame before taking her down and moving to her back. She unleashed elbows and punches, but Schneider was game. Schneider’s takedown defense held up much better through the middle rounds, as she forced Evinger to work hard for every position. Evinger’s smothering wrestling attack prevented Schneider from mounting any offense. After five rounds, Evinger walked away with a unanimous decision.

In the co-main event of the evening, the strawweight champion changed hands as Angela Hill claimed a split decision win over Brazil’s Livia Renata Souza. Souza quickly brought the fight to the mat and looked for multiple submissions. Hill remained calmed and escaped to her feet. From there, Hill’s confidence grew with every passing second. She scored with combo after combo on the feet, as Souza continually marched forward. Souza was able to earn takedowns on multiple occasions, but Hill scrambled free time and time again. In the championship rounds, Hill’s pinpoint striking continued to land flush on Souza’s jaw. Souza went for broke in the final round, chaining a guillotine choke and an armbar attempt, but it was too little, too late as Hill was crowned the new champion.

Former featherweight title challenger Charmaine Tweet weathered an early storm against Latoya Walker before scoring a highlight-reel spinning back fist. The previously undefeated Walker battered Tweet with punches early, as she ignored her reach disadvantage. Walker took Tweet down and mounted her, but Tweet was able to return to her feet. Late in the round, Tweet saw an opening and connected with a devastating spinning back fist that sent Walker crashing to the canvas. A few follow-up punches and the fight was called off.

In a battle of Brazilians, Kaline Medeiros impressed with a second-round finish of fellow strawweight newcomer Aline Serio. Medeiros landed leg kicks early to set up a big takedown. Serio tried to counter with a guillotine attempt, but Medeiros was relentless. The second stanza opened with Medeiros slamming Serio on her head and raining ground and pound. The heavy shots took their toll and the referee was forced to intervene.

Australia’s Megan Anderson continued her recent winning ways, stopping fellow featherweight Amanda Bell inside the first round. Anderson rocked Bell immediately to start the fight, but Bell survived and powered the fight to the ground. Anderson was able to power to the top position, but Bell threatened with an armbar. When the fight returned to the feet, Anderson scored with knees and punches, dropping Bell as the first-round closed.

Christine Stanley and Shannon Sinn finally locked horns in a flyweight affair and Stanley left with a decision win. Stanley was aggressive from the opening bell, throttling Sinn with heavy punches and body kicks. Sinn showcased a granite chin and heart, never backing down. Stanley’s output slowed as the fight progressed, but Sinn could not mount enough offense to sway the fight in her favor.

Flyweights Rachael Ostovich and Ariel Beck put on a show in the night’s second bout. Beck’s striking was on point in the first round, as she kept Ostovich at range. Round two swung toward the Hawaiian as she earned a takedown and threatened to submit Beck with a rear-naked choke and an armbar. The final round was the most competitive of the fight, as Beck rocked Ostovich early, but Ostovich fought back with a takedown. When it went to the judges, it was Ostovich who claimed the split decision nod.

Kicking off the action, England’s Laura Howarth spoiled the professional debut of Alexa Conners by claiming a closely contested split decision. Howarth’s kicking arsenal was on display early and often, forcing Conners to chase her around the cage. Conners find her range as the fight progressed, but it wasn’t enough as the judges rewarded Howarth the victory.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
Tonya Evinger def. Colleen Schneider by unanimous decision (49-45, 50-44, 50-44) – for bantamweight title
Angela Hill def. Livia Renata Souza by split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47) – for strawweight title
Charmaine Tweet def. Latoya Walker by TKO (spinning back fist and punches). Round 1, 3:41
Kaline Medeiros def. Aline Serio by TKO (strikes). Round 2, 4:04
Megan Anderson def. Amanda Bell by TKO (punches). Round 1, 4:59
Christine Stanley def. Shannon Sinn by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Rachael Ostovich def. Ariel Beck by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Laura Howarth def. Alexa Conners by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

About Invicta FC:

Invicta Fighting Championships is a world championship, all-pro mixed martial arts (MMA) fight series dedicated to providing female athletes with a major platform to hone their skills on a consistent basis. Founded in 2012 by longtime MMA executive Shannon Knapp, Invicta is committed to pioneering the future growth of women’s MMA by promoting the best possible match-ups between female competitors and identifying and developing future superstars of the sport. Follow Invicta on Twitter (@InvictaFights), Facebook (Facebook.com/InvictaFights), and Instagram (@InvictaFC) for all the latest information.

Ayaka Hamasaki vs Amber Brown

Invicta FC 16 Results: Hamasaki Retains, Maia Captures Gold

by NewsOfficial Results

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).

Cyborg vs Ibragimova_012

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

by NewsOfficial Results

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).

Invicta FC 14 Evinger Hand Raise

Invicta FC 14 Results: Evinger Batters Kianzad, Bennett Edges Kankaanpää

by NewsOfficial Results

Kansas City, Mo. — On Saturday, Sept. 12, Invicta Fighting Championships hosted Invicta FC 14: Evinger vs. Kianzad from the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. The event streamed live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass at 8 p.m. ET.

In the night’s main event, bantamweight champion Tonya Evinger made Sweden’s Pannie Kianzad pay for missing weight, handing her the first defeat of her career. Evinger closed the distance and took Kianzad to the ground right off the bat. She scored with punches and elbows before taking her back. Evinger looked for a rear-naked choke, but then transitioned to an armbar attempt as the first round ended. Round two opened with Evinger dropping Kianzad with a right hand. She followed her to the ground and bloodied the nose of Kianzad with punches and elbows. Evinger was relentless with her attack from the top position, earning the second-round stoppage.

Utah’s DeAnna Bennett remained undefeated after a grueling, three-round war with former strawweight champion Katja Kankaanpää. Bennett used her length and size in the opening round, forcing the Finnish fighter to counter. However, Kankaanpää began to come forward more as the round progressed. Round two saw more clinch work and Bennett repeatedly threatened with guillotine choke attempts. The second round closed with Kankaanpää in a deep choke, but the bell saved her. The final frame clearly belonged to Kankaanpää, who put Bennett on her back and controlled her throughout the round. It wasn’t enough though, as the judges at cageside rewarded Bennett for her efforts in the early rounds.

Veteran Roxanne Modafferi used her experience edge to best promotional newcomer Mariana Morais. Modafferi scored with punches on the feet, but when she took Morais to the ground, she really poured it on. She passed to mount with ease and rained punches and elbows. It was more of the same in round two, as Modafferi simply outclassed the Brazilian. Round three saw Modafferi earn a takedown, but Morais countered with a guillotine attempt. Modafferi calmly escaped and then continued her onslaught, forcing referee John McCarthy to halt the fight and put the veteran back in the win column.

Andrea Lee rebounded from the first loss of her career to score a third-round armbar finish of Rachael Ostovich. Lee’s striking prowess was display throughout the first round, as she peppered Ostovich with kicks and punches to the body. Lee nearly secured a rear-naked choke as the first stanza closed, but Ostovich was saved by the bell. Ostovich found her range early in round two, but Lee dropped her with a stiff left hand. Lee mounted the Hawaiian and pounded away, but the bell sounded once again. The final round was all Lee, who battered Ostovich with knees and then took her back on the ground. Just as the fight was about to go the distance, Lee transitioned for an armbar and Ostovich verbally submitted with just two seconds left.

Belgium’s Cindy Dandois spoiled the Invicta debut of Australia’s Megan Anderson, submitting her via triangle choke in round two of their featherweight bout. Anderson connected with a right hand that prompted Dandois to take the fight to the ground. She threatened with an armbar and then transitioned to a mounted triangle, but Anderson was able to survive the round. When the fight hit the ground again in round two, Dandois again locked in the triangle choke and forced Anderson to submit.

Two-time national wrestling champion Sharon Jacobson continued to make her mark on the strawweight division, becoming the first to defeat Jamie Moyle. Moyle attacked with kicks early to slow Jacobson’s advance, but it didn’t last long as Jacobson flurried forward and pinned Moyle to the cage. The pair traded knees and elbows from the clinch, but Jacobson was able to slam Moyle to the canvas on multiple occasions. The hard-fought battle went the distance with Jacobson earning a unanimous decision victory.

Atomweight Jinh Yu Frey used a striking advantage to outwork Liz McCarthy and take home a unanimous decision win. Frey mixed in a variety of kicks to complement her punches. She also scored with takedowns in each of the first two rounds to keep McCarthy guessing. McCarthy never stopped coming forward, but Frey’s movement and footwork were the difference on the scorecards.

J.J. Aldrich gave late-replacement opponent Rosa Acevedo a rude welcome to the Invicta cage, scoring a violent, first-round knockout. Aldrich landed with her hands early, but it was a knee to the liver that stunned Acevedo along the fence. A pair of follow-up punches and Acevedo was out for good.

Flyweight Aspen Ladd built upon her impressive debut earlier this year with a dominant win over Amanda Bobby Cooper. The pair spent the majority of the first round in the clinch before Ladd took the fight to the mat. Ladd again scored a takedown in round two and unleashed a violent barrage that bloodied Cooper. She then transitioned to an armbar and coerced a tap.

The night kicked off with a pair of debuting lightweights as Felicia Spencer battered Rachel Wiley to earn a first-round TKO. Spencer took Wiley to the mat early and battered her with elbows, forcing the referee to intervene.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
Tonya Evinger def. Pannie Kianzad by TKO (strikes). Round 2, 3:34
DeAnna Bennett def. Katja Kankaanpää by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Roxanne Modafferi def. Mariana Morais by TKO (strikes). Round 3, 4:40
Andrea Lee def. Rachael Ostovich by verbal submission (armbar). Round 3, 4:58
Cindy Dandois def. Megan Anderson by submission (triangle choke). Round 2, 2:41
Sharon Jacobson def. Jamie Moyle by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Jinh Yu Frey def. Liz McCarthy by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
J.J. Aldrich def. Rosa Acevedo by knockout (knee and punches). Round 1, 2:24
Aspen Ladd def. Amanda Bobby Cooper by submission (armbar). Round 2, 4:42
Felicia Spencer def. Rachel Wiley by TKO (strikes). Round 1, 3:32

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).

Cris Cyborg Justino vs Faith Van Duin

Invicta FC 13 Results: Cyborg, Evinger and Hamasaki Leave Vegas with Belts

by NewsOfficial Results

Las Vegas – On Thursday, July 9, Invicta Fighting Championships made its first trip to Nevada to host Invicta FC 13: Cyborg vs. Van Duin from The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The event streamed live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass.

Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino celebrated her 30th birthday with yet another dominant title defense. The Brazilian needed just 45 seconds to put away New Zealand’s Faith Van Duin by TKO. Cyborg was the aggressor throughout, chasing Van Duin around the cage. She wobbled Van Duin with a left hand and followed with a knee that sent Van Duin crashing to the mat and end the fight.

The bantamweight belt is vacant no more as Tonya Evinger dominated Mexico’s Irene Aldana from the opening bell. Evinger caught a kick and brought the fight to the mat. After a scramble, she mounted Aldana and began raining punches. When Aldana tried to escape, Evinger locked up a deep armbar. Aldana showcased a ton of heart and refused to tap. The punishment from Evinger continued in the second and third rounds, as she battered the face of the Mexican fighter. The pace slowed in round four, but Evinger’s dominance continued. A series of heavy blows was enough to force the referee to intervene and hand Evinger the TKO win.

There’s a new champion in the atomweight division as Japan’s Ayaka Hamasaki used a strong grappling game to outwork Brazil’s Herica Tiburcio and earn a split decision win. Hamasaki attacked with flurries of punches before turning to her takedown game. Tiburcio rocked her with a body kick and looked for a guillotine choke, but Hamasaki survived. As the fight progressed, Hamasaki’s takedowns came with more and more ease. Tiburcio remained active from her back, but Hamasaki’s top control was simply too much. Hamasaki became the first Japanese champion in the promotion’s history.

Debuting bantamweights Pannie Kianzad and Jessica-Rose Clark went to war for three rounds, with Sweden’s Kianzad walking away with a clear-cut unanimous decision win. Kianzad was clearly the more technical striker throughout, landing her left hook at will. She mixed in takedowns and was forced to defend an armbar attempt from Clark in round two. As the fight progressed, Kianzad continue to pour it on with punches and kept her perfect record intact.

Amber Brown sent a big message to the atomweight division, becoming the first fighter to defeat Ireland’s Catherine Costigan. Brown marched forward and closed the distance immediately. She powered Costigan to the mat with a trip and landed in mount. Heavy elbows from Brown forced Costigan to give up her back and Brown sunk in a fight-finishing rear-naked choke.

Strawweights Jamie Moyle and Amy Montenegro battled back-and-forth for three rounds, with Moyle eking out a split decision win in her hometown. Moyle scored early with a takedown and took Montenegro’s back, but could not secure a submission. Montenegro answered back with counter shots and pushed the fight against the cage. Moyle’s combinations were the difference as she claimed the nod from the judges.

Making her professional debut, featherweight Amber Leibrock stopped decorated judoka Marina Shafir in just 37 seconds. Leibrock delivered a pair of right hands that dropped Shafir and she followed up with more punches on the ground to earn the TKO.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino def. Faith Van Duin by TKO (punches). Round 1, 0:45 – for featherweight title
Tonya Evinger def. Irene Aldana by TKO (strikes). Round 4, 4:38 – for bantamweight title
Ayaka Hamasaki def. Herica Tiburcio by split decision (47-48, 48-47, 49-46) – for atomweight title
Pannie Kianzad def. Jessica-Rose Clark by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Amber Brown def. Catherine Costigan by submission (rear-naked choke). Round 1, 3:34
Jamie Moyle def. Amy Montenegro by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Amber Leibrock def. Marina Shafir by TKO (punches). Round 1, 0:37

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-Invicta-FC-12-Results

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

by NewsOfficial Results

Kansas City, Mo. – Invicta Fighting Championships returned to the Municipal Auditorium on Friday, April 24 for Invicta FC 12: Kankaanpää vs. Souza. The event streamed live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass.

A new champion was crowned in the strawweight division as Brazil’s Livia Renata Souza submitted Finland’s Katja Kankaanpää in the fourth round. Souza attacked the champion from the opening bell, taking the fight to the ground and taking Kankaanpää’s back. Kankaanpää showed heart and defended rear-naked choke attempts. The momentum swung toward Kankaanpää 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 and Kankaanpää was forced to tap and relinquish her belt.

Brazilian Vanessa Porto exacted revenge on Roxanne Modafferi, claiming a decision win in the pair’s rematch. Porto used her leg kicks to slow Modafferi’s movement and mixed in takedowns in each of the first two rounds. Modafferi countered with flurries, bloodying the nose of Porto. A right hand from Porto clipped Modafferi in round two, but she survived and pushed hard in the third round. 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, 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, as 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 Sinn’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.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Livia Renata Souza def. Katja Kankaanpää 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 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-Invicta-FC-11-Results

Invicta FC 11 Results: Cyborg Stops Tweet to Retain Title, Grasso Edges Inoue

by NewsOfficial Results

Los Angeles — Invicta Fighting Championships returned to action on Friday, Feb. 27, for Invicta FC 11: Cyborg vs. Tweet. The event took place from the Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles. The eight-fight event streamed live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass.

In the headline bout, Invicta FC featherweight champion Cristiane ‘Cyborg’ Justino put her belt on the line against Canadian challenger Charmaine ‘Not So Sweet’ Tweet. Cyborg needed just 46 seconds to dispatch of the challenger with punches. The Brazilian connected with a massive left hook that sent Tweet crashing to the mat. Cyborg dropped heavy shots from the top that bloodied the face of Tweet. When Tweet tried to stand, Cyborg landed another heavy shot and referee Herb Dean stepped in to halt the contest.

Mexico’s Alexa Grasso and Japan’s Mizuki Inoue put on a show in the night’s co-main event. Grasso put together beautiful combinations on the feet, bloodying the nose of Inoue in round one. Grasso added kicks at the end of her flurries, turning the lead leg of Inoue red. When Inoue looked to take the fight to the ground in round two, Grasso attacked with an inverted triangle-kimura. Inoue went for a finish in round three, putting Grasso on her back and landing heavy shots. In the end, it wasn’t enough, as Grasso earned the decision win and kept her unbeaten record intact.

Making her strawweight debut, DeAnna Bennett remained undefeated with a hard-fought decision win over Norma Rueda Center. Bennett scored with combinations on the feet early, but used strong clinch work to control the action in the later rounds and claim victory.

Mexican bantamweight Irene Aldana picked up her second straight, first-round finish by rear-naked choke, submitting veteran Colleen Schneider. Aldana took advantage when Schneider tripped on the cage and immediately went for the finish. She took the back of Schneider and coerced the tap in just 65 seconds.

Jamie Moyle moved to 2-0 as a professional by choking opponent J.J. Aldrich unconscious with a first-round rear-naked choke. Moyle caught a kick from Aldrich and brought the fight to the ground. Once there, she took Aldrich’s back and secured the fight-finishing choke.

Strawweights Amy Montenegro and Brianna Van Buren battled hard for three rounds, with Montenegro emerging with a unanimous decision win. The pair traded dominant positions and submission attempts early, but it was Montenegro’s control from the clinch that proved to be the difference, as she earned the win on the scorecards.

Christine Stanley wasted little time in her Invicta debut, stopping late-notice opponent Laura Salazar by first-round TKO. Stanley rocked Salazar early, but Salazar showed heart and took the fight to the ground. Stanley scored with vicious elbows to earn the finish.

In a match-up between two flyweights making their pro debuts, Aspen Ladd bested Ana Carolina Vidal by first-round TKO. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Vidal took the fight to the ground quickly, but Ladd reversed the position and scored with heavy punches from the top to earn the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino def. Charmaine Tweet by TKO (punches). Round 1, 0:46 – for featherweight title
Alexa Grasso def. Mizuki Inoue by unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-28)
DeAnna Bennett def. Norma Rueda Center by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Irene Aldana def. Colleen Schneider by submission (rear-naked choke). Round 1, 1:05
Jamie Moyle def. J.J. Aldrich by technical submission (rear-naked choke). Round 1, 2:20
Amy Montenegro def. Brianna Van Buren by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Christine Stanley def. Laura Salazar by TKO (strikes). Round 1, 2:59
Aspen Ladd def. Ana Carolina Vidal by TKO (strikes). Round 1, 4:21

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).