Invicta FC 29: Kaufman vs. Lehner Gallery

Sarah Kaufman won the vacant bantamweight title at Invicta FC 29
Sarah Kaufman captures gold at Invicta FC 29 Credit: Dave Mandel/Invicta FC

Check out all the highlights from Friday’s Invicta FC 29, where Sarah Kaufman won gold again.

Invicta FC 29 started hot, with a spirited bantamweight bout that saw Helen Peralta defeat a game Cheyanne Vlismas in a back-and-force battle for three rounds. And while there’d be a bit of a lull mid-card, the final three bouts delivered. Pearl Gonzalez finished opponent Barbara Acioly via arm-bar in just ninety seconds, sealing the deal in their grudge match. Pannie Kianzad got back in the win column, and while it took three rounds to do it, she looked the best she’d ever been.

In the main event, meanwhile, Canada’s Sarah Kaufman looked sharp as well. Listening to her corner, leaving no room for opponent Katharina Lehner to capitalize, and winning both the striking and grappling battles, the former Strikeforce champion put on a clinic. A near finish of Lehner in the second via a head and arm choke had the writing on the wall. In the third, when a bloodied Lehner was taken to the ground again, the fat lady was signing. Kaufman took the back, slid an arm under the neck, and Lehner quickly tapped to the rear-naked choke.

With that, Sarah Kaufman had her third world title, and second in a major promotion. Questions about a departure to the UFC will follow, though it would be nice to see her defend the belt a few times.

Check out the gallery below for highlights from all the action at Invicta FC 29! Just watch out for the nasty finger injury from Julia Avila!