Once again, it took a mere matter of seconds for Cristiane Cyborg Santos (14-1) to dismantle another opponent in impressive fashion. This time it was New Zealand’s Faith Van Duin (5-2). She called out the featherweight champion after her last victory and felt the fury of Cyborg like every fighter before. All it took was a few blows after a clinch to send Faith to the mat to secure the victory. It’s possible Faith’s nose may be broken but one thing the audience at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas saw tonight was sheer dominance. There is no denying Cyborg is the pound-for-pound best woman fighter in the world and no matter who the opponent may be, she will still shine a level above the rest.
Tonya Evinger (16-6) gave a big middle finger to all those who doubted her in this fight against Irene Aldana (5-2). Triple Threat proved that she was more than up to the task as she stalked and had her way with the younger prospect. Irene was unable to do anything against the relentless pressure of Evinger and in the middle rounds, Tonya almost pulled off an armbar submission that was so deep it looked as if the arm would dislodge. Somehow Aldana escaped but could not keep Evinger from regaining top position. The fourth round proved to be no different than the first three and once Tonya laid down some vicious ground and pound late in the round, the fight was called off. For a woman who has fought some of the best fighters in mixed martial arts, she is finally the Invicta FC bantamweight champion and will more than likely be Cyborg’s opponent if she drops.
The first title fight on the Invicta FC 13 card was the ever changing atomweight title that would change hands once again. Ayaka Hamasaki (12-1) used a straight right jab and timely takedowns to frustrate the now former champ Herica Tiburcio (9-3). The first round saw a possible guillotine by Herica but Ayaka adjusted quick enough to escape the trouble. The second and championship rounds is where Ayaka found her most success; she used enough pressure to keep the offense of Tiburcio at bay and grind out the win. Ayaka Hamasaki becomes the first Japanese champion fighter for Invicta FC.
Pannie Kianzad (8-0) and Jessy Rose Clark (5-2) went head to head in a testy bout. The boxing of Kianzad was on full display against the pressing Clark. A beautiful outside leg kick by Jessy gave Pannie trouble in all three rounds but in the second is where she found her footing. Each round was close but all the judges favored Pannie to give her the victory by unanimous decision. Expect both of these women to do well in the 135 division in Invicta.
Amber Brown (5-1) came in with a gameplan and spoiled the debut of former Cage Warriors champion Catherine Costigan (5-1). Brown scored a flawless takedown and from there Catherine stood no chance at recovery. Amber continued to flatten out Costigan and and eventually worked for a rear naked choke. It’s her second straight victory for the promotion and puts her in the right path for title contention.
A tough split decision win for Jamie Moyle (3-0) in a tough bout against Amy Montenegro (6-2). Jaime utilized the first two rounds and mixed striking with a few good moments on the mat to outlast Amy. Montenegro showed well through each rounds and seemed to hold the advantage in the third. The power and precision of Moyle made the difference and kept her undefeated streak alive.
The opening bout of Invicta FC 13 kicked off with a quick 37 second victory from the hard hitting Amber Leibrock (1-0). She laid two vicious overhand rights on Marina Shafir (1-2) that eventually sent her to the mat. Marina went for a the leg of Amber to work for a lock but she left her face exposed to the ground and pound. The referee stopped the fight shortly after to give Amber her first professional victory.
Up next for Invicta is Invicta FC 14 back in their hometown of Kansas City in September. As of now, it is confirmed that Livia Renata Souza will be defeating her strawweight title against Alexa Grasso. The full results of Invicta FC 13 are listed below.
Main Card
Cris Cyborg def. Faith Van Duin via TKO at :45 of R1
Tonya Evinger def. Irena Aldana via TKO (punches) at 4:38 of R4
Ayaka Hamasaki def. Herica Tiburcio via split decision (48-47, 47-48, 49-46)
Pannie Kianzad def. Jessica-Rose Clark via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Amber Brown def. Catherine Costigan via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:37 of R1
Jamie Moyle def. Amy Montenegro via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Amber Leibrock def. Marina Shafir via TKO (punches) at :37 of R1