It may have been a rocky start to InvictaFC 2, but the card was able to deliver with positive reviews. Initial reports are stating that around 655,000 people tried to log in at 6 p.m. central time, which crashed the server. (I am imaging the scene from “Hackers” when the heroes crash the Gibson was pretty much the way it went behind the scenes.)
As entertaining as all of it was, this does leave a lot of questions heading into InvictaFC 3 coming Oct. 6 in Kansas City.
Courtesy Dave Mandel/Sherdog
Who will face Sara McMann for the belt?
McMann got the nod last night by an unanimous decision that many felt could have went to Shayna Baszler. With the 135 division stacked to the rafters, it’s hard to see InvictaFC making a choice and not being wrong about it. Sarah D’Alleio, Liz Carmouche, Amanda Nunes, and Alexis Davis all showed dominance in their respective fights. Side note is that the latter three is signed to Strikeforce still. Will Zuffa let them fight for a title outside of the organization? Does Strikeforce have plans for them in November?
Many are stating that Sarah Kaufman or Miesha Tate could also be called on; but odds are they won’t be considered because of their respective matches on Aug. 18 would only allow a six week training camp; and the Strikeforce question still lingers.
Baszler is a dark horse, with many wanting to see a rematch with McMann.
Coenen
InvictaFC poster fighter Marloes Coenen’s name has also been thrown around by MMA pundits, but InvictaFC president stated in many interviews that Coenen is sticking to 145.Which begs the question….
Will Marloes Coenen Compete at InvictaFC 3?
Knapp mentioned in several interviews that if Coenen is ready to go, she would be a good possibility for Oct. 6. Among the possible opponents include InvictaFC 2 winner Julia Budd, Milena Dudieva, Elaina Maxwell, and Danielle West.
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Courtesy Dave Mandel/Sherdog
Where does Baszler go from here?
Baszler wants to fight again at InvictaFC 3, and has every argument to fight for a bantamweight title shot. The same names that have come up for McMann is possible for Baszler; with a rematch between Baszler and Davis being a classic if Davis doesn’t get the title shot. No matter who Baszler gets, she will put on a show once again.
Will the 125 Division get some love?
With only two flyweight matches Saturday night, the division is looking for some exposure at InvictaFC. With fighters Tara LaRosa, Heather Clark, Jessica Eye, Munah Holland, and Zoila Gurgel all showing interest; there is plenty of talent to possibly set up a title eliminator.
Gutierrez & Maloy Courtesy Dave Mandel/Sherdog
Who from InvictaFC 1 will return?
Sarah Maloy stated she is ready to go for InvictaFC 3 after her upset win over Michele Gutierrez . Gutierrez also is wanting some redemption. Atomweights Cassie Roddish and Amy Davis are also looking to get into title contention as the 105 title will be crowned that night. Strawweight Ashley Cummins, who is still undefeated, may look for win #4. Leslie Smith (if she can get over her hand injury in time) could also be back.
Esparza Courtesy Dave Mandel/Sherdog
Who from InvictaFC 2 will be returning?
Besides the plethora of 135ers vying for spots on the next card, many others on Saturday’s card are also stated they are ready for another round. Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc, Carla Esparza, Jessamyn Duke, and Barb Honchak are all ready to go at it again on Oct. 6.
Who will make their InvictaFC debut?
Jasminka Cive
InvictaFC prides itself on developing talent; and there are plenty of solid amateurs ready to turn pro. Among them is 115er Tecia Torres (7-0) and 135er Taylor Stratford (9-1). Kaiyana Rain (5-1-1) is also campaigning to be on the card.
In those who have just turned pro, popular fighter Jordan Gaza, who lost by decision in her pro debut, has a lot of fan support behind her. Scottish fighter Joanne Calderwood (2-0) is wanting on the card as well. Not to mention a ton of JEWELS fighters looking to make their way to US soil.
Veteran fighter Kelly Kobold could make her debut, if she can get over her shoulder injury.
Expected to be debuting is Jillian Lybarger, whose twin sister Jocelyn made a success pro debut this past Saturday. Also, Jasminka Cive, who should have her visa issues settled by then.
Will it stream or will it be on TV?
With what happened Saturday, InvictaFC is growing exponentially with each card. With the mass of humanity wanting the stream, it is hard to gather if there is a server that could hold a quality stream for them. With many TV deals already offered to the promotion, is the time right for the move there?
The disadvantage of inking a TV deal would mean a lot in the world wouldn’t be able to watch the event.
Only time will tell when InvictaFC will make that leap.
Once again Invicta didn’t disappoint on providing a great night of exciting and entertaining fights. Being there in person prevented us from struggling with the problems with the stream, but we had our own frustration with the venue. None of the seats/sections were numbered or identified and staff told everyone to sit wherever they wanted whether they purchased a 100.00 ticket or a 25.00 ticket. When you buy a front row seat you don’t expect to be repeatedly moved, questioned as to whether or not you are in the right place or flat out denied access to your seat less than five minutes before the fights started because of filming going on. Will that stop me from coming back?? No – but will it stop me from buying a front row seat when you can obviously sit wherever you want?? Maybe….
Make sure to tweet Shannon Knapp (@ShanKnapp) about it or go to their FB and post. Pretty sure they want to improve the experience for next time.