Invicta FC 18: Alexa Grasso has finally arrived
Invicta FC 18 was a card that did not boast of a title fight, but grabbed the attention of the world for its mouthwatering bouts. Shannon Knapp told me that the fans can expect to see new names shining on the card, and the fighters did not disappoint the fans. Rolling out of the Scottish Rite Temple in Kansas City, the card was headlined by Alexa Grasso and Jodie Esquibel, while the co – main event saw two bitter rivals squaring off, as Agnieszka took on Christine Stanley.
The first fight of the night saw the debut of Amberlynn Orr, a prospect considered to be one of the best amateur fighters on the circuit leading up to her debut. Orr is a former LFC bantamweight champion, and had a perfect 11 – 0 record prior to her debut. However, her opponent Sijara Eubanks derailed her hype train, and finished her off with impressive ground and pound in the first couple of minutes in the opening round.
Aspen Ladd and Jessica Hoy then competed in a catchweight bout, with Ladd failing to make weight. Ladd came in with an impressive 3 – 0 record, while Hoy had just one pro fight under her belt. Ladd entered as the favorite, and didn’t take much time in disposing her opponent off via TKO in the second round. Ladd now moves to 4 – 0, while Hoy registered her first professional loss.
Megan Anderson sends a message to ‘Cyborg’
The Australian took on TUF alumnus Peggy Morgan, with the winner likely getting a crack at the Featherweight Champion. Anderson is one of the best 145’ers in the division, and went in on a two fight win streak. Anderson kept pushing forward, and looked impressive with her striking. Peggy tried to hang on, but Anderson rained rights which might’ve broken Peggy’s jaw. Anderson won her third straight fight, and called out Cyborg during her post fight interview.
Cindy Dandois then faced UFC alum Jessamyn Duke in yet another bantamweight clash. Jessamyn entered the fight on a four fight losing streak, while Cindy looked impressive from the get go. Cindy effortlessly took Duke down with a throw, and transitioned into side control before trapping Duke in an armbar with her legs, while raining down with punches. Duke immediately tapped out, as Cindy registered her second win under the Invicta banner.
Mizuki Inoue came in as a late replacement for India’s Manjit Kolekar, who was initially scheduled to make her Invicta FC debut against Lynn Alvarez. Mizuki is one of the top 115’ers in the world, and proved just that as she used her effective wrestling to keep Lynn grounded. Inoue then proceeded to finish Alvarez in the second round with an armbar, giving Mizuki the eleventh win of her professional career.
In the co – main event, two fighters that despise each other faced off, as Agnieszka – a top Polish prospect faced off against Christine Stanley. Agnieszka worked on Stanley in the clinches, and kept pressuring her. Agnieszka won the fight by unanimous decision, and moves to 8 – 0 in her professional career.
Alexa Grasso returns to Invicta FC after a long lay off
One of the top contenders in the strawweight division returned to the cage after a 17 month layoff, as Grasso took on Jodie in a title eliminator. Grasso suffered a shoulder injury and a broken hand, which kept her away from the cage, and talked about improving her striking going into the fight. Grasso is considered to be one of the most well rounded fighters in the division, and showcased her impressive grappling and wrestling skills, dominating Jodie in all departments.
There were question marks over Grasso’s performance going into the fight, considering she has been out of action for nearly a year and a half. However, Grasso put all those concerns to rest, and put on an impressive performance to win via UD. Grasso connected with good combinations, and opened Jodie up in the second round. This win puts Grasso in contention for the title, as she looks set to take on Angela Hill for the Strawweight title.