Throughout the next three days, we will be previewing the InvictaFC 6 card. The preliminary card will stream live and free on InvictaFC.com, with the main card airing on televised pay-per-view in the US and Canada, and on UStream.tv everywhere for $15 Saturday.
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Miriam Nakamoto vs. Duda Yankovich – Bantamweights
Two world class strikers go head to head.
The Lowdown
Nakamoto (1-0, 1 no contest) is coming off an impressive InvictaFC debut, getting a knee KO over Jessamyn Duke, but due to an accidental late knee, the win was turned into a no contest. Considered one of the best pound for pound kickboxers on the planet, Nakamoto also has trained in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which we have yet to see.
Yankovich (1-1) is a former WBA boxing champion that has decided to make the transition to MMA. Being a boxer based in Brazil, she found it logical to make the move, and trains out of Team Nogueira. Although she got caught in a submission in her MMA debut, she came back with a submission of her own with a keylock victory in March at Bitetti Combat in Rio.
What to expect
Yankovich has a lot to overcome in terms of changing from boxing to a kickboxing/MMA style stance. Also with Nakamoto having more BJJ experience, it will be about Yankovich getting her own pace set early, and sticking and moving.
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Bec Hyatt vs. Mizuki Inoue – Strawweight
InvictaFC’s most popular fighter faces the Japanese teenage phenom.
The Lowdown
Hyatt (5-2) proved that she was no fluke when she got the first round armbar finish over Jasminka Cive at InvictaFC 5. After her decision loss to champion Carla Esparza, she is looking to climb into the top 10.
Inoue (5-1) will be the youngest ever to fight for InvictaFC. The 18 year old won the JEWELS Rough Stone and the Shootbox G-Cup tournament; not to mention getting all of her MMA wins via submission. Her only loss was to one of the top strawweights on the planet in Ayaka Hamasaki.
What to expect
Being her first U.S. fight, Inoue needs to get used to strong fighters and the use of ground and pound; both giving and receiving. Hyatt is looking to keep it standing, as Inoue’s ground game has bested some great competition.
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Ediane Gomes vs. Charmaine Tweet – Featherweight
In what will be a number contenders match, a late replacement looks to upset the #2 145er in the world.
The Lowdown
Gomes (10-2) has been on a role at featherweight, winning four straight after her loss to Ronda Rousey. The #2 Unified ranked fighter is looking to rack up one more win for a shot at the title.
Standing in her way is last minute replacement Tweet (4-3) who also had a loss to Rousey. She has finished her last three opponents in the first round, and has reached her goal of fighting at Invicta.
What to expect
Tweet needs to utilize her length in striking and on the ground to get get an advantage. Gomes can be a grinder in matches, so Tweet needs to try to avoid the clinch. Gomes needs to work her ground game and use her experience to get the submission or decision win.
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Joanne Calderwood vs. Norma Rueda Center – Strawweight
Two undefeated fighters look to put their name up for title contention.
The Lowdown
Calderwood (6-0) is the #7 Unified ranked 115 pounder and has no signs of stopping. She took her last match in her native Scotland, getting a first round TKO win over Sally Krumdiack. Her striking has been a huge factor in her wins, although she does have some BJJ experience.
Center (2-0) hasn’t lost a fight in her amateur or pro career, and gets the last minute call to take on Calderwood. The former collegiate wrestler trains at Jackson’s MMA with one of the best all female teams on the planet.
What to expect
Center needs to use her wrestling to ground and control Calderwood on the mat. Calderwood needs to work her kickboxing and do what she does best; work the knees in the clinch.
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Jessica Penne vs. Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc – Atomweights
Two veterans of the cage face off for the first time.
The Lowdown
The former InvictaFC atomweight champ Penne (10-2) is looking to get her rematch with Michele Waterson. Their epic battle is considered one of the best matches so far this year, which saw a back and forth battle on the ground.
Colonac (8-6) is a seven year vet of the sport and has found some success at atomweight. She defeated Angelica Chavez in her last time out at InvictaFC 2 and is looking for the upset.
What to expect
Calanoc needs to dig deep and use her experience to stalemate Penne. Penne needs to make sure she controls the scrambles and use something we haven’t seen much lately, her kickboxing.
Filed under: MMA
