Invicta Fighting Championships 6 is this Saturday evening, and there is a lot on the line.
Marloes Coenen returns to action for a rematch against Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos. Their fight will determine the inaugural Invicta FC Featherweight Champion.
In their first meeting Coenen put up a valiant fight. That is, until Cyborg does what she does best and overwhelmed her opponent. That was her first defense of the Strikeforce title, at Strikeforce: Miami on January 30, 2010.
There will be 12 more bouts, and with Invicta FC 6 airing live on PPV for the first time (check your local cable or satellite provider for ordering information), Shannon Knapp and company have given MMA fans plenty to keep their eyes on. But here are the highlights, the top 5 reasons to part with your $15 dollars and pay attention to this card:
#5: Ediane Gomes vs. Tamikka Brents
The main event isn’t the only featherweight bout to watch. Gomes vs. Brents may very well be a title eliminator.
Gomes is the #2 ranked featherweight in the world according to MMARising.com, and has won four in a row, with her last loss coming at the hands of Ronda Rousey in 2011. A victory on Saturday will cement her as the top contender in the division.
She was originally scheduled to battle with Julia Budd, but an injury forced Budd off the card. Then entered Charmaine Tweet. The Canadian was pulled from the bout after visa issues came to light yesterday. Now, Gomes will take on Brent.
Brent was undefeated in her amateur career, and holds a perfect 2-0 professional record. She will have a tall order against Gomes, but it is a big opportunity for the newcomer.
This smells of a showcase bout for Gomes. It will make her look like a strong contender to either Coenen or Cyborg. You should keep a close eye on this fight because not only does it feature a featherweight prospect, but it is a potential title eliminator.
#4: Leslie Smith vs. Jennifer Maia
Jennifer Maia returns to the Invicta cage, and she brings in her #5 ranking with her. This fight will determine the next challenger for Barb Honchak‘s flyweight strap.
Leslie Smith has been Invicta’s most exciting fighter, and after a narrow defeat to Sarah Kaufman at Invicta FC 5, she will drop in weight. The 5-3-1 fighter is one of the best and most exciting bantamweights, and if the weight cut goes according to plan, she will be a force at 125 pounds.
With title implications resting on the outcome, keep an eye on this fight.
#3: Claudia Gadelha vs. Ayaka Hamasaki
Hamasaki was set to challenge for the strawweight championship, but Carla Esparza had to withdraw due to injury. Enter Claudia Gadelha. Now this fight is a title eliminator.
Gadelha is not ranked at 115 pounds, but she does bring in a perfect professional record. This is a golden opportunity for the 24-year-old to make a name for herself in MMA. Of her nine victories, she has finished six of her opponents.
Hamasaki is the #3 ranked strawweight, and she will be one of the most heavily favored fighters on the card.
This will be an interesting bout to determine the top contender for Esparza’s crown.
#2: Tecia Torres vs. Rose Namajunas
This fight is not a title eliminator. However, you will not want to miss the first fight on the main card. These 2-0 strawweights meet in what could be the Fight of the Night.
Torres is also 7-0 in amateur competition, and Namajunas was also undefeated in those ranks with a record of 4-0. They are two of the most promising prospects in the female ranks of the sport.
Namajunas will bring in a sizeable reach advantage, but don’t count out Torres. The “Tiny Tornado” will want to create havoc to get inside. Both women love to throw down and have a war. You can expect fireworks in this fight no matter how it goes down.
This bout should be on the shortlist of every MMA fan.
#1: Marloes Coenen vs. Cyborg Santos
The Invicta FC Featherweight Championship is on the line when these two friendly rivals meet once again.
This is a fight Coenen has wanted for a long time, and her time has finally come. Will she be able to handle the immense pressure of Cyborg? That will be answered in the main event on Saturday.
Given their stature in the sport, experience, and striking acumen, this will be the fight to watch. There is not much more to expound about for this fight. Two of the top female fighters will exchange leather. The winner will be the top-ranked featherweight. Watch it.
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Invicta FC 6: Cyborg vs. Coenen 2 is due to take place on July 13, 2013 at the Ameristar Casino Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri.
Click the stars to rate how good you think Invicta FC 6 will be.
