Invicta 4 was STACKED! (3 UFC Champions) - Full Event
The fourth installment of the Invicta FC series was nothing short of spectacular, with a lineup that boasted three UFC champions.
The event, which took place at the Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kansas, on January 5, 2013, showcased some of the most talented female fighters in the world.
The main event featured a showdown between Carla Esparza and Bec Hyatt for the inaugural Invicta FC Strawweight Championship.
Esparza, who would later go on to become the UFC Strawweight Champion, put on a dominant performance, securing a submission victory in the fourth round. Hyatt, known for her toughness and resilience, put up a valiant effort but ultimately succumbed to Esparza's superior grappling skills.
In the co-main event, Barb Honchak defended her Invicta FC Flyweight Championship against submission specialist Vanessa Porto.
Honchak, a former King of the Cage champion, displayed her well-rounded skills as she outclassed Porto with her striking and grappling en route to a unanimous decision victory. Her impressive performance solidified her status as one of the top flyweights in the world.
The card also featured a highly anticipated bout between Strikeforce veteran and former UFC bantamweight champion Sarah Kaufman and submission ace Leslie Smith.
In a back-and-forth battle, Kaufman showcased her striking prowess, landing crisp combinations and powerful leg kicks.
However, Smith's relentless pressure and durability allowed her to weather Kaufman's offense and secure a hard-fought split decision victory.
Another notable matchup on the card was the featherweight bout between Amanda Nunes and Sarah D'Alelio. Nunes, who would later go on to become the UFC bantamweight champion, made a statement with a dominant performance, finishing D'Alelio via TKO in the first round.
Her explosive striking and aggressive ground-and-pound left no doubt that she was a force to be reckoned with in the women's featherweight division.
The event also featured rising prospects such as Joanne Calderwood, Tecia Torres, and Raquel Pennington, all of whom would go on to have successful careers in the UFC.
Calderwood, known for her Muay Thai skills, put on a striking clinic against Livia von Plettenberg, earning a unanimous decision victory. Torres, a talented wrestler with strong boxing skills, showcased her dominance with a lopsided unanimous decision win over Paige VanZant. Pennington, a tough and durable bantamweight, secured a submission victory over Raquel Pennington with a rear-naked choke in the first round.
Overall, Invicta 4 was a groundbreaking event that showcased the depth of talent in women's mixed martial arts. With three UFC champions on the card and several future stars making their mark, it was a night to remember for fight fans around the world. The event solidified Invicta FC as a premier organization for women's MMA and set the stage for many more historic moments to come.