Aside from those UFC alumni, the focus would be on the action in the cage, with a catchweight main event planned between Roybert Echeverria and Pololu Nakanelua. An appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series might have fight fans familiar with Echeverria, while Hawaii’s Nakanelua, a.k.a. the “Poi Pounder,” had fought previously for LFA and was looking to work his way to his own shot at the big time.

CFFC 125: Echeverria vs. Nakanelua takes place Friday, September 15, 2023 at the 4 Bears Event Center in New Town, North Dakota airing live on UFC Fight Pass. The preliminary card kicks off at 6:00PM ET, with the televised main card getting underway at 8PM. Full results can be found below.

CFFC 125: Echeverria vs. Nakanelua Results

Main Card

Roybert Echeverria def. Pololu Nakanelua by submission (anaconda choke), Round 2, 2:56
J.P. Saint Louis def. Nick Meck by majority decision (28-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Elizabeth Schroder def. Alexa Conners by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
Kevin Pease def. Caleb Jensen by technical submission (arm-triangle choke), Round 2, 0:53
Trent Miller def. Chato Wiest by knockout (head kick), Round 1, 0:40
Emily Martins def. Micaela Rampage by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 1:54

Sharif Oripov vs. Kris Williams

Preliminary Card

Frank Rayford def. David Johannes by TKO (punches), Round 1, 3:30
Jack Carpenter def. Isaiah Spitzer by submission (arm-triangle choke), Round 3, 1:14 — amateur bout
Taylor Michels def. Jordan Mosley by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 2, 0:54 — amateur bout

The post CFFC 125: Echeverria vs. Nakanelua Full Results appeared first on Cageside Press.

Invicta FC was back in action on Friday night, heading to the state of Oklahoma for the first time. With a featherweight title fight in the main event, the promotion’s biggest title was on the line in Shawnee, OK. The 145lb strap, vacated by Megan Anderson and Cris Cyborg before her, would be claimed by one of Felicia Spencer and Pam Sorenson. Spencer (5-0) was the undefeated rising star, while Sorenson (7-2) had the edge in experience.

Also on the card, Kay Hansen, still just 19 despite her 3-1 record as a pro, was moving up to flyweight to take on Erin Blanchfield. In co-main event action, meanwhile, Mizuki Inoue (billed simply as MIZUKI) took on Viviane Pereira. Mizuki, however, missed weight for the strawweight bout, and would forfeit twenty percent of her purse.

Invicta FC 32: Spencer vs. Sorenson goes down live at the Firelake Arena in Shawnee, Oklahoma Friday night. Check back come fight time (8PM ET) for full results and a recap of the night’s action.

Chelsea Chandler vs. Mitzi Merry

Chelsea Chandler backed Mitzi Merry up against the fence early in Invicta FC 32’s card-opening bantamweight bout. Merry ate a straight left, but battled off the cage, only to be forced back again. Chandler was letting her hands go, mixing in some kicks to the mid-section as well. Merry finally managed to force a clinch only to again be backed up to the fence. However, confusion broke out when the bell sounded at three minutes, rather than five.

The second round started with Chandler again driving Mitzi Merry into the fence. She worked in knees, and controlled the wrists of her opponent, preventing her from reversing position. The big knees continued, and this time, as time approached three three minute mark, the action carried on, with no early interruption. However, the remainder of the round played out in similar fashion, with Chandler in full control.

Chandler’s kicks were going early in round three, alongside her hooks; before the first minute she again had Merry against the cage. Merry was in clear need of a finish but unable to get her back off the wall, with Chandler controlling her and landing knees to thigh and body.

Chelsea Chandler def. Mitzi Merry by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

Isis Verbeek vs. Kathryn Paprocki

Paprocki started out working her jab, walking Verbeek down and soon taking the fight to the fence. Not before Verbeek countered with some knees, however. Verbeek kept her stance wide, but Paprocki got her hands locked locked and completed a takedown with three minutes remaining. Paprocki then attacked the body with rights, and moved to half guard. She’d spend the remainder of the frame on top, while Verbeek looked to make something happen off her back.

Round two saw the pair standing a little longer than in the first. Paprocki was still the aggressor, moving forward, but Verbeek was having more success, firing a quick left hand, and showing better movement. However, just past two minutes, in, Paprocki got the fight back to the ground. However, after some time on top, Paprocki connected with a head butt, which led to the ref taking a point. When the action was restarted, it didn’t take Paprocki long to get it back down, but while she won the round in terms of action, the point deduction likely negated that.

In round three Paprocki went straight to takedown mode, driving Verbeek into the cage. Verbeek tried to defending with a guillotine, but didn’t really have much on it, and soon Paprocki was in half-guard. Paprocki worked for an arm-bar, then moved to mount and let her hands fly.

Kathryn Paprocki def. Isis Verbeek by unanimous decision (28-27, 28-27, 28-27)

Liz Tracy vs. Stephanie Geltmacher

A lot of circling, a lot of swinging went down throughout the opening round of Tracy vs. Geltmacher at flyweight. Both ladies were swinging hard, and both were connecting. Geltmacher was arguably the more polished fighter, but Tracy was able to make it dirty with a clinch and a knee late in the round. No sign of a takedown from either woman in the first, despite both having a solid wrestling base.

Chucking bombs continued to be the story in round two. Tracy worked in some kicks, and was having a little more success in the first half of the frame. Still no sign of a takedown. After ten minutes the pair were still slugging away, with Geltmacher showing excellent head movement, and Tracy turning it up before the bell.

Would the punches in bunches continue in round three? Pretty much. Geltmacher was bloodied. Tracy worked in kicks along with her punches. Despite the damage, Geltmacher appeared to be the fresher fighter. She continued to throw, with slightly better accuracy. They’d go the distance in a very close battle, with Geltmacher’s technical edge earning her the nod.

Stephanie Geltmacher def. Liz Tracy by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Erin Blanchfield vs. Kay Hansen

Plenty of action early in Blanchfield vs. Hansen in another flyweight title. Hansen looked to take the fight to the canvas early. However Blanchfield proved to have excellent takedown defense. She’d stay standing, though Hansen spent most of the first five minutes pressure her into the fence.

Round two saw Hansen and Blanchfield in a clinching battle once again. This time, Blanchfield had a little more success, reversing Hansen against the fence. She event put Hansen on the ground briefly. Blanchfield was unable to make anything happen, however, and Hansen pushed off, firing a few punches before they clinched again. Hansen had been bloodied by the end of the second, with a gash over her left eye.

The clinch battle started early in the third round, but this time, it didn’t last. Back in the middle Blanchfield dove for a single that Hansen pulled free from. Hansen fired off a few punches, then Blanchfield pushed her back up against the fence, trying to lock her hands for a double leg attempt. That switched to a single, which Hansen also fought off. It would go to the scorecards, where it was Blanchfield earning a majority decision in another close fight.

Erin Blanchfield def. Kay Hansen by majority decision (28-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Alexa Conners vs. Julia Avila

Avila took the fight right to Conners off the opening bell, charging forward throwing a combination. She drove Conners into the fence as Conners tried to tie her up. Conners broke free, but Avila just went right after her again. Conners needed to slow the pace, or at least do something to fend off the aggressive ‘Raging Panda’ Julia Avila. However, Avila again was able to create space and attack with another flurry of strikes. Conners was bloodied. Avila drove her into the fence and landed knees. Avila was still landing when the round ended, and Conners was bloodied, but not out.

Round two saw Alexa Conners faring slightly better, but still ultimately being bulled by Avila’s striking. And it wasn’t long before the ‘Raging Panda’ found the finish. A knee, a front kick, and a barrage of punches sent Conners to the canvas. Avila, with that, had the win, and put herself in a good spot for a bantamtweight title shot.

Julia Avila def. Alexa Conners by TKO, Round 2, 4:43

Kaitlin Young vs. Sarah Patterson

Young vs. Patterson was contested at a 150lb catchweight on Friday, as Patterson was stepping up on short notice to face the former Invicta matchmaker. Even then, Patterson came in heavy, but Kaitlin Young was looking to build off a recent win on RIZIN after coming out of retirement earlier in the year.

The fight didn’t end in a finish anyone expected. Within the first minute and a half, after a bit of feeling out, Young landed a leg kick that seemed to hurt Patterson. She appeared to reach for her leg in pain, and Young moved in for the kill, landing a few punches as Patterson fell.

Kaitlin Young def. Sarah Patterson by TKO (leg kick and punches), Round 1, 1:25

Ashley Cummins vs. Jessica Delboni

A bit of a feeling out period kicked off Cummins vs. Delboni at atomweight on Friday, the only 105lb fight on the Invicta FC 32 card. Some grappling exchanges saw Delboni holding her own as the round progressed, and in the open, she pressed forward, only to end up bloodied and in a standing guilltoine in the final minute. Cummins then pulled guard, but lost the choke attempt as they went to the ground.

Round two saw Cummins circling out the outside, finding success with her straight punches. Yet by the midway point, she decided to change levels, and scored a takedown out in the open. Moving to half-guard, she had room to work, but Delboni was able to scramble up. Delboni then took Cummins down, and was able to spend some time on top and in control, posturing up and using shoulder and head position to control her opponent. However, Cummins was able to escape, and they’d finish the round on the feet.

The final round saw Cummins and Delboni staying mostly on the feet, trading punches and leg kicks. Delboni continually threw a looping right hand. Cummins seemed a little more keen to attempt a takedown later in the round, but Delboni easily evaded it. They’re trade to the bell, and go to the judges.

Ashley Cummins def. Jessica Delboni by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

MIZUKI vs. Viviane Pereira

Invicta FC 32’s co-main event saw Mizuki Inoue, who came in just over the strawweight limit, take on UFC veteran Viviane Pereira. Pereira looked to get this battle to the ground early, putting Inoue on her back. Mizuki threw up elbows from the bottom, then worked to isolate an arm while Pereira was in guard. Mizuki would make it back to her feet, and turn the tables on her foe, taking the back, then later moving to mount, dropping punches toward the end of the round.

The second saw feints and and some jabs thrown early, and Pereira was lunging in, trying to land something big. Mizuki kept her head moving, and her jab going. Soon she was able to put some combinations together, but Pereira was happy to fire back. The two were exchanging as the second came to an end.

Round three opened with some exchanges, which Inoue had got the better of in the second. Mizuki then changed levels, shot in and landed a key takedown. Pereira attempted to defend with a guillotine, but didn’t have it. Mizuki was in control, though Pereira would avoid calamity and make it back to her feet with half a round remaining. They’d exchange to the end of the bout, but the judges saw it clearly in Inoue’s favor.

MIZUKI def. Viviane Pereira by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Felicia Spencer vs. Pam Sorenson

Undefeated featherwieght Felicia Spencer had Pam Sorenson pressed up against the cage within the first minute of their 145lb title fight on Friday. Shortly thereafter, Spencer had Sorenson to the ground, and before long she had taken the back and was looking for a choke. It was not to be, however. The win simply wouldn’t be that easy, and they’d battle it out for the rest of the frame.

In the second, Spencer was once again all over Sorenson. However, trying to drag her down from the back, she gave up position, allowing Sorenson to threaten from the top for a moment. However, Spencer escaped back to her feet, and drove Sorenson into the cage again. Latching on for a high crotch single, she nearly gave up position again, and Sorenson was able land a number of punches. Again, Spencer would make it back up, but shortly after, Sorenson would catch her in a guillotine. Spencer stayed cool, and freed herself, driving Sorenson into the cage and landing a big knee as the pair made it back up. Sorenson that connected with a standing elbow. Spencer stuck to her game plan, clinching against teh cage, using foot stomps and knees to soften Sorenson up. Sorenson, very game, landed some elbows; in the open, Pam ‘Bam’ then connected with a solid punch that pu Spencer on her heels. The pair traded kicks, and Spencer worked in a standing below before attempting on last takedown, only for Sorenson to land on top.

Round three opened with Spencer firing off a kick. Things were heating up, and Spencer was again looking for the takedown by the fence, while a game Sorenson threw elbows. She was proving a difficult doe to take down, and Spencer was forced to employ more of her standup out in the open, including a superman punch. Sorenson began to connect more frequently, which forced Spencer to drive her into the fence once more, landing more foot stomps. She’d score a big takedown in the final minute, getting to half-guard and landing some big punches as Sorenson tried to defend with an arm-bar off her back.

Round four saw Sorenson going to the head and body early, and the two exchanging leg kicks. Sorenson would land a right, but Spencer would explode forward, firing off punches and pushing Sorenson into the fence. Literally pushing her. However a takedown attempt led to Sorenson getting into top position. Spencer made it up; a trip put her back down, but again she was right back up, driving into Sorenson. Then, on the next trip to the ground, SPencer took the back, and got at least one hook in. Getting an arm under the chin, she locked in the rear-naked choke, and forced the tap!

Aaaaaaaaand NEW!! Invicta featherweight champion, @FeeNom479 ! #InvictaFC32 pic.twitter.com/OLU4bK9iDZ

— Invicta FC (@InvictaFights) November 17, 2018

Felicia Spencer def. Pam Sorenson by submission (arm-bar), Round 4, 4:23

Invicta FC 32 Results:

Felicia Spencer def. Pam Sorenson by submission (arm-bar), Round 4, 4:23 – Spencer wins  Invicta FCfeatherweight title
MIZUKI def. Viviane Pereira by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Ashley Cummins def. Jessica Delboni by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Kaitlin Young def. Sarah Patterson by TKO (leg kick and punches), Round 1, 1:25
Julia Avila def. Alexa Conners by TKO, Round 2, 4:43
Erin Blanchfield def. Kay Hansen by majority decision (28-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Stephanie Geltmacher def. Liz Tracy by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Kathryn Paprocki def. Isis Verbeek by unanimous decision (28-27, 28-27, 28-27)
Chelsea Chandler def. Mitzi Merry by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

The post Invicta FC 32: Spencer vs. Sorenson Results and Recap appeared first on Cageside Press.

Tomorrow night, Invicta FC is on the road, with a featherweight title fight topping Invicta FC 32 in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Competing for the title last held by Megan Anderson, and Cris Cyborg before her, Felica Spencer will take on Pam Sorenson at the show. Sorenson (7-2) enters the night off two wins, including a submission of Helena ‘Pretty’ Kolesnyk at Inivcta FC 24. Spencer (5-0), meanwhile, has won all her professional bouts in Invicta, including her own victory over Kolesnyk.

Also on the card, Japanese standout Mizuki Inoue, taking on Viviane Pereira in the co-main event.

On Thursday, all fighters on the card hit the scales. While Spencer and Sorenson hit the mark, making their main event official, three fighters came in heavy. Those three were Mizuki, who was just over the strawweight non-title fight limit, Sarah Patterson, who came in short notice to take on former Invicta matchmaker Kaitlin Young, and Chelsea Chandler.

All three fighters will forfeit 25 percent of their purse to their opponent.

Invicta FC 32 Weigh-In Results:

Featherweight Title Bout: Felicia Spencer (143.7 lb) vs. Pam Sorenson (144.6 lb)
Strawweight Bout: MIZUKI (116.4 lb)¹ vs. Viviane Pereira (115.4 lb)
Atomweight Bout: Ashley Cummins (105.2 lb) vs. Jessica Delboni (105.1 lb)
Catchweight (150 lb) Bout: Kaitlin Young (150.5 lb) vs. Sarah Patterson (154.5 lb)²
Bantamweight Bout: Alexa Conners (136 lb) vs. Julia Avila (135.8 lb)
Flyweight Bout: Erin Blanchfield (125 lb) vs. Kay Hansen (124.8 lb)
Flyweight Bout: Liz Tracy (125.6 lb) vs. Stephanie Geltmacher (125.9 lb)
Strawweight Bout: Isis Verbeek (115.4 lb) vs. Kathryn Paprocki (114.6 lb)
Bantamweight Bout: Chelsea Chandler (136.6 lb)³ vs. Mitzi Merry (135.4 lb)

¹ MIZUKI weighed in above the strawweight limit and was fined 25 percent of her purse.
² Patterson weighed in above the 150-pound catchweight limit and was fined 25 percent of her purse.
³ Chandler weighed in above the bantamweight limit and was fined 25 percent of her purse.

The post Invicta FC 32 Weigh-In Results: Main Event Set, Three Fighters Heavy appeared first on Cageside Press.

Also on the card, Alexa Conners made her return to the Invicta FC fold when she took on undefeated German standout Katharina Lehner. Scheduled for bantamweight, Lehner missed weight Wednesday, coming in at 140.5lbs. She’ll forfeit 25% of her purse, and the bout went forward at a catchweight.

Check back come fight time for a recap and full results from the evening’s action! The show gets underway 9PM EST.

Ashley Medina vs. Jillian DeCoursey

Invcita FC 25 opened with an atomweight scrap between Sacramento’s Ashley Medina and Queens, NY native Jillian DeCoursey. Both fighters were making their pro debut Thursday evening. Medina opened by taking the center of the cage and pressing forward with combinations, pushing DeCoursey up against the fence. DeCoursey would get in some offense of her own just over two minutes in, reversing position and pushing Medina against the cage, looking for an opening for a takedown. With that not panning out, they moved back to the center, with DeCoursey firing off some shots of her own. With just over a minute in they’d clinch and exchange knees, with DeCoursey pressing and Medina working to get her back off the fence and move back into the middle. A right hand by DeCoursey landed flush with about thirty seconds remaining; Sacramento’s Medina seemed unphased, and they exchanged til round’s end.

Ashley Medina opened round two with a leg kick, which DeCoursey answered with a combination. Medina continued to use her jab in this round, as she had in the first. She then pressed the action against the fence, looking for a takedown that just wasn’t there. Back in the middle, DeCoursey circled out of harm’s way, using a jab of her own to set up a right hand. By the midway point of the fight, DeCoursey had been opened up under the left eye after continuously tasting the jab of Medina.

Heading into round three, the momentum seemed to be on Medina’s side, but the first round could easily have gone to DeCoursey. Early in the third, DeCoursey finished the first takedown of the fight, and soon moved to side control. Medina gave up her back, which allowed DeCoursey to look for the rear-naked choke. With hooks in, she had a full half round the sneak her arm under Medina’s chin. Medina was unable to escape, but managed to fend off her opponent into the final minute. DeCoursey would try to pepper her foe with strikes to force an opening. It wasn’t there, and instead things would go to the scorecards. DeCoursey picked up the split decision win on the first anniversary of her father’s death.

Jillian DeCoursey def. Ashley Medina by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) 

Cheri Muraski vs. Tracy Cortez

Flyweights were up next in Muraski vs. Cortez. It was youth vs. experience as the 23-year old Cortez was making her pro debut against the older Muraski, at 38. Muraski clinched early, and ate a knee by Cortez, who began pressing forward with punches. They would clinch against and trade knees; Cortez would then press the action against the fence and bloody her opponent with some well placed punches and elbows. A game Muraski returned fire despite a bloodied nose; she found a home for some solid right hands in this round. Both fighters were landing with 90 seconds to go; Cortez hit home with a hard combination and shot for a takedown with a minute to go. Muraski would defend admirably, attempting a kimura in the process. Before round’s end she’d give up her back and get dragged down, but the bell sounded shortly after as Muraski threw elbows at Cortez, who was still clinging to her back.

Early in the second they were clinching again, with Cortez looking for a takedown. Using underhooks she put her weight on Muraski up against the cage. Muraski would land a heavy left shortly after the break the knocked Cortez’s mouthpiece out, which earned her a reprieve as the ref paused the action so she could retrieve it. At the midway point, Muraski would catch Cortez in a standing guillotine, and after spinning around a number of times they hit the floor with Muraski holding the choke. Cortez would take after being up-ended, and Muraski spoiled the Cortez debut party in the end.

Cheri Muraski def. Tracy Cortez by submission (guillotine choke), Round 2, 2:42

Yaya Rincón vs. Courtney King

With both fighters in Rincon vs. King 1-0, someone was losing their perfect record in the third fight of the evening. Rincon wasted no time is securing a takedown, pressing Courtney King against the fence. King (who walked out to the Lion King soundtrack) would eat a number of punches, but would make it back to her feet. After tying things up and buying time to recover, the pair would break and engage back in the middle. This time, King was able to fire off some offense. Yaya Rincon was again able to get the fight down with a trip, but King threatened to take the back. Rincon would defense, but King was able to secure the back in the final few moments of the round.

Round two saw Rincon duck under a King punch early and land another takedown. King’s scrambles were solid earlier in the fight but this time, Rincon was able to mount. King turned over to her back as a result, and Yaya was soon having her way with her, landing some hard punches and elbows from the top. After working for a choke briefly as King again gave up her back, Rincon again found herself in mount dropping bombs. King was unable to do much more than cover up, and eventually the ref had seen enough. After the bout, Rincon thanked Shannon Knapp for hiring her and blew her boss a kiss. Invicta has such fun moments. Picture someone blowing Dana White a kiss…

Yaya Rincón def. Courtney King by TKO, Round 2, 3:41

Amberlynn Orr vs. Sarah Kleczka

Kleczka wasted no time in pressing forward early in this bantamweight tilt. After being reversed in the clinch against the fence, she found herself with her back to the cage, with Orr throwing knees. Back in the middle Orr would land a well-executed side kick, then work a takedown only to find herself in Kleczka’s guillotine. She’d break free and work to pass guard. After some scrambling, Amberlynn Orr would attempt a mounted guillotine, but couldn’t hold on. Back on the feet they’d clinch again with Orr pressing Kleczka against the fence once more. Kleczka would then work for an arm-in guillotine, which allowed her to land some knees before the bell rang to end the first.

Once again in round two, Kleczka was strong out of the gate, but Orr wasn’t far behind. When the action went to the ground, a smooth reversal by Orr allowed her to get on top of her opponent and work in some shots to the body. The pair stayed active throughout the round, with Kleczka utilizing front kicks on the feet, and Orr grinding her opponent up against the fence. Things were close headed into the third.

For the third time in three rounds, Kleczka surged forward to start the round, this time leading with a punch and pressing Orr up against the cage in a clinch. The pair would once again fight out a close round, with Kleczka utilizing some strong clinch work in the third. A lot of fighting for position went down in this round, and throughout the fight, making it a tough one to score.

Sarah Kleczka def. Amberlynn Orr by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Shino VanHoose vs. Alyse Anderson

With the action getting back to the atomweight division, Alyse Anderson started strong, looking to land a takedown early against Shino VanHoose following an initial exchange. Anderson held on to a single leg with dogged determination while her opponent showed superb balance, but eventually was dragged down only to pop right back up. Back in the clinch against the cage Anderson was active with knees, and once again worked for a takedown. She’d eventually get her way, working within VanHoose’s guard. However with little progress made the fight was soon stood back up, and with a minute to go, VanHoose looked to turn the tide. Anderson, though, once again took things back down before long. While she was able to land some decent strikes while on top, VanHoose started to light her up back on the feet just as the round came to an end.

In round two some early exchanges on the feet once again led to an Anderson takedown. She then found herself inside VanHoose’s closed guard. This time out, there was no standup as Anderson stayed busy, while VanHoose herself was active off her back with strikes.

Round three saw the action stay standing through the first ninety seconds, until Anderson found herself on her back this time, with VanHoose managing to score a takedown of her own. VanHoose quickly found herself in mount, with Anderson giving up the back. An excellent scramble ensued, but the action was paused due to a wardrobe malfunction. Not long after that, the pair was stood back up. With a minute to go in the fight, Anderson pressed VanHoose against the fence, looking for a final takedown. While she was able to finish and look for a rear-naked choke after working towards her opponent’s back, VanHoose was able to turn and wind up on top as the bell rang.

Shino VanHoose def. Alyse Anderson by split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)

Sharon Jacobson vs. Kali Robbins

Robbins ate some big shots early, with Jacobson letting the fists fly right off the bell. Kali Robbins would try for a takedown only be be dumped on her back herself, but moments later Robbins had an arm trapped, and the (verbal) tap came seconds later!

Kali Robbins def. Sharon Jacobson by submission (armbar). Round 1, 0:42

Alexa Conners vs. Katharina Lehner

Conners utilized her jab early, creating some space, but soon ate a couple of shots for her troubles. Conners worked with her back to the fence, looking to circle away from Lehner’s punches. Lehner, for her part, threw a number of combinations and seemed to do some damage around the ninety second mark. The German fighter would land a number of shots while Conners looked to sneak in some uppercuts. Aside from a brief clinch, it was nothing but exchanges early. Lehner soon began to land some uppercuts that seemed to hurt Alexa Conners. While she’d survive and fire off some kicks, Lehner dropped her within the final minute with a left, and the ref would quickly wave the action off!

Katharina Lehner def. Alexa Conners by TKO, Round 1, 4:21

Livia Renata Souza vs. Janaisa Morandin

The co-main event of the evening was a strawweight title fight until Jodie Esquibel was forced off the card. Instead, it became a showdown between former champ Livia Renata Souza nd fellow Brazilian Janaisa Morandin. Morandin pressed the action early, touching Souza often while Souza looked to counter. Souza then landed a perfectly timed takedown, landing in half guard. Morandin was able to latch on a closed guard, but Souza was active on the top, dropping punches.  Back on the feet, they clinched along the fence with Souza eventually climbing up her opponent’s back and dragging her back down. Souza quickly transitions to the top, and they would scramble, in north-south briefly before Souza again had top control. She landed some heavy shots until Morandin grabbed an arm, but the submission wasn’t there.

The second frame saw Morandin launch a powerful overhand right early, but Souza was able to cover up. They stayed standing through the first minute, with Morandin continually pressing forward. Souza shot in at about the ninety second mark, and after a brief sprawl by Morandin was able to finish. She’d land some body shots with Morandin stacked up against the cage. Once in the middle, with Souza still on top, she looked for a head and arm choke while peppering Morandin with short punches. The ref, however, opted to stand them up, a bit premature. Morandin took advantage, landing an elbow on the feet, but was soon taken down again.

Round three started with Morandin knowing she needed to keep the fight standing. However, after a couple of minutes that’s exactly where she wound up. Despite the early ref standup in round two, Morandin could not rely on the third party in the cage and needed to get back to her feet. Souza, however, was staying active on top, posturing up and working both body and head. Souza would maintain this position through the end of the round, and ultimately Morandin just spent too much time on her back.

Livia Renata Souza def. Janaisa Morandin by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Raquel Pa’aluhi vs. Yana Kunitskaya

Kunitskaya was looking for gold for the third straight fight, after a win against former champ Tonya Evinger was overturned, and a follow-up fight saw Kunitskaya taking a loss. Early on she pressed Raquel Pa’aluhi up against the fence, adding knees and looking for a trip. Most of the round would be contested along the fence, until the final minute which saw the pair back in the center of the cage. A takedown attempt saw Pa’aluhi land on top, with Kunitskaya looking to land an upkick. The Hawaiian worked to move to mount, but found herself reversed with Kunitskaya ending the round on top.

The second of five scheduled rounds saw Kunitskaya take the center of the cage immediately and open with a front kick. After some exchanges, the Russian again pushed the fight up against the fence and seemed to have the strength advantage. Off the break, Kunitskaya tagged her opponent, but it wasn’t long before they were right up against the cage wall again. Breaking once more, Pa’aluhi would try to catch a Kunitskaya kick but fail. Through the first two rounds, it appeared Yana Kunitskaya was in control.

Round three saw the pair once again trading early, with Pa’aluhi seemingly unable to solve the puzzle of Kunitskaya. The Russian would work a number of knees to the body in the clinch, and Pa’aluhi, bloodied and bruised, seemed to be losing a step. She’d work in a leg kick, but it was the front kicks of Yana Kunitskaya that proved more effective. She was also the much fresher fighter at this point, light on her feet and circling out of harm’s way. Pa’aluhi would attempt some desperation takedowns in this round, but never came close to landing any.

Heading into the championship rounds, Pa’aluhi was no doubt behind but still game. Kunitskaya was now stalking her in the cage, and her kicks continued to wear her opponent down. Pa’aluhi frequently grabbed at her own nose, which may have been broken earlier in the fight. Between injury, fatigue, and the oppressive onslaught of Yana Kunitskaya, she was unable to get much offense off. Towards the final minute of round four she’d again work for a takedown, to no avail.

Round five started with Pa’aluhi needing a finish. Instead, it was Kunitskaya who continued to attack, maintaining her composure and tying up the action. The Russian played it smart, avoiding some wild punches by Pa’aluhi. Kunitskaya grabbed Pa’aluhi in a guillotine on the feet as she shot in, using the hold to land a number of knees. A Pa’aluhi later in the round was reversed, and it seemed like Pa’aluhi was finally loosening up too little, too late. They’d go the distance, and after twenty-five minutes, Yana Kunitskaya was crowned Invicta FC bantamweight champion.

Yana Kunitskaya def. Raquel Pa’aluhi by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)

Invicta FC 25: Kunitskaya vs. Pa’aluhi Results:

Yana Kunitskaya def. Raquel Pa’aluhi by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)  – for the vacant Invicta FC bantamweight title
Livia Renata Souza def. Janaisa Morandin by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Katharina Lehner def. Alexa Conners by TKO, Round 1, 4:21
Kali Robbins def. Sharon Jacobson by submission (armbar), Round 1, 0:42
Shino VanHoose def. Alyse Anderson by split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
Sarah Kleczka def. Amberlynn Orr by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Yaya Rincón def. Courtney King by TKO, Round 2, 3:41
Cheri Muraski def. Tracy Cortez by submission (guillotine choke), Round 2, 2:42
Jillian DeCoursey def. Ashley Medina by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

The post Invicta FC 25: Kunitskaya vs. Pa’aluhi Results & Recap appeared first on Cageside Press.

Invicta FC 25 takes place this Thursday, August 31, from Tachi Palace in Lemoore, California. It is often said that Invicta is probably the best thing that UFC Fight Pass has going for it, and one of the main reasons people should dish out the ten bucks a month for the subscription service.

The all-women promotion has hosted four events this year, all of which were held at their unofficial home, the Scottish Rite Temple in Kansas City, Missouri. This Thursday will mark the first time the promotion has taken the show on the road this year, setting up shop in California.

Cageside Press recently caught up with one of Invicta’s brightest young stars Alexa Conners. The 26-year-old spoke candidly about being back in Invicta, her upcoming bout, the recent events in Charlottesville, and more.

Conners’ first two professional fights were under the Invicta FC banner, splitting the two bouts. Conners then went on a three-fight win streak outside of the women’s premier MMA organization.

Is Conners happy to be fighting for Invicta again? “I’m thrilled, I love Invicta. Shannon (Knapp), Kaitlyn (Young), and Julie (Kedzie) are always awesome to fight for, they take care of the fighters. I really like being around them.”

Conners’ opponent on Thursday night is Katharina Lehner. Lehner is a bit of a wild card being that she has never competed in the states before. But what does the Invicta veteran know about Germany’s pound-for-pound top-ranked women’s fighter?

“Honestly not a whole lot because her last fight was a year or so, I saw some of it on YouTube”, Conners said regarding Lehner. “Fighters change though, I know my style has changed so much in the last year, so I really don’t know a whole lot about her.”

Conners is a true mixed martial artist, and she is always looking for ways to improve her craft. “Recently I’ve been adding more of a karate style to my game. It’s always good to mix things up, I went down to ATT (American Top Team) for two weeks and worked with some different training partners.”

She can’t wait to show off some of the techniques she has been working on. “I want to land a takedown, and show off some of my jiu-jitsu”, said Conners. “I’m going to show everyone I’m not just a striker.”

Born in Winchester, Virginia, and fighting out of Columbia, South Carolina, Conners takes immense pride in her stomping grounds. Cageside Press wanted to know what her thoughts were on the recent events in Charlottesville.

“It’s ridiculous,” scoffed Conners. “It’s disgusting that people are still like that.”

On the other hand, it can be argued that the current state of women’s MMA has never been better. There have been many women who have paved the way for the likes of Conners, but one stood out to her in particular.

“Gina Carano,” Conners said with no hesitation. “I looked up to her, she was my hero, and still is actually.”

There is no doubt that Alexa Conners is well on the way to inspiring an entire new generation of women fighters. She looks to take one more step in the right direction on Thursday night at Invicta FC 25.

Invicta FC 25 from Tachi Palace can be seen live only on UFC Fight Pass at 9 p.m. EST.

The post Invicta FC 25: Alexa Conners Discusses Her Return to Promotion appeared first on Cageside Press.