Invicta FC is finally making its long-awaited return on July 2, with a card headlined by strawweight contenders Emily Ducote and Juliana Lima.
Invicta FC is back, and it’s returning with a great card on July 2.
Invicta FC announced via a press release Tuesday that the promotion is back on that date, with a six-fight card. Headlining the July card is a strawweight bout between former title contender Emily Ducote and former UFC veteran Juliana Lima. Ducote is coming off a controversial title loss to Kanako Murata last November at Invicta FC 38. Lima, on the other hand, is returning following a mixed performance at the inaugural Phoenix Rising event. She defeated fellow UFC veteran Danielle Taylor in the opening round, before losing to future tournament champion Brianna Van Buren in the semifinals.
The co-main event of the card features fan-favorite Alesha “Half-Pint” Zappitella taking on Lindsey VanZandt at atomweight. Zappitella is coming off her third win in the Invicta cage in February, after defeating Kelly D’Angelo via decision. VanZandt is making her first appearance since defeating Shino VanHoose at Invicta FC 37 in October.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the card will be held without fans and media and overseen by the Kansas Athletic Commission. According to the press release, all fighters, corners, commission officials, and Invicta staff will be tested for COVID-19. The card is Invicta’s first since March 6. The original Invicta FC 40 card was set for late June, however, it was postponed due to the pandemic.
Invicta FC 40 will take place on July 2, and take place from Kansas City, Kansas. The full card will air on UFC Fight Pass 7 p.m. CT. The full card can be found below:
Strawweight: Emily Ducote vs. Juliana Lima
Atomweight: Alesha Zappitella vs. Lindsey VanZandt
Flyweight: DeAnna Bennett vs. Victoria Leonardo
Featherweight: Chelsea Chandler vs. Liv Parker
Flyweight: Claire Guthrie vs. Laura Anderson
Strawweight: Genia Goodin vs. Shelby Koren
