Baszler (top) and D’Alelio (bottom) Courtesy Ester Lin
It was a crazy night of fights as InvictaFC delivered 14 exciting fights; with upsets, submissions, and KO’s. As we await the official date for InvictaFC 4 in early 2013, here are our suggestions for matches on the upcoming card.
Shayna Baszler vs. Liz Carmouche for the 135 title
Shayna Baszler proved that she is one of the best in the biz, getting the submission win Saturday over Sarah D’Alelio. With big question if Strikeforce would allow Miesha Tate, Alexis Davis or Sarah Kaufman to enter a title fight for Invicta, Liz Carmouche would be the likely candidate since Strikeforce would have the best odds of lending her for a title match.
Vanessa Porto vs. Barb Honchak for the 125 title
To say you defeated Tara LaRosa is saying a lot. Vanessa Porto did it handily Saturday in her new weight class of 125, and a big argument can be made she should be in the top 5 at least come the November rankings. Honchak solidified her top 5 spot with her win over Aisling Daly. With Sheila Gaff and Rosi Sexton busy with the Cage Warriors title fight, this would make the most sense for the first ever InvictaFC flyweight title.
Carla Esparza vs. Ayaka Hamasaki for the 115 title
It has been reported that Jessica Aguilar and Megumi Fujii will be busy come January with the Bellator tournament, so the next two in line would be #4 ranked Esparza and #3 ranked Hamasaki.With Esparza’s wrestling and Hamasaki’s submission game, this would be a great scrap.
Jessica Penne vs. Michelle Waterson for the 105 title
Although Kikuyo Ishikawa and Misaki Takimoto are ranked higher, Waterson would be a huge draw and easily to secure to get a match with Penne. This match won’t disappoint.
Aisling Daly vs. Tara LaRosa
LaRosa suffered a big loss, but the good news is that she won’t be as scary to match anymore. A match with Daly is more than overdue, and Daly needs a big win to gain momentum back in her career.
Cat Zingano vs. Leslie Smith
King Mo recommended this fight and it’s hard not to agree. Smith is the irresistible force and Cat Zingano is the immovable object. The winner could be a contender for the InvictaFC 135 title after the new champion is crowned.
Ediane Gomes vs. Julia Budd
With both finishing their opponents Saturday, they are the two 145 pounders ready to fight for a possible featherweight title shot against Marloes Connen.
Sarah D’Alelio vs. Kaitlin Young
Both coming off losses, both need wins. Both have great matches, even in losing.
Lacey Schukman vs. Stephanie Frausto
Schukman was impressive in her atomweight debut, although she loss a split decision. Frausto was a bulldog and is enjoying success at 105. Both need to step up their game if they want to contend for the atomweight title. A win for either would make them one step closer.
Tara will be more prepared next time, though she didn’t look good, it doesn’t take away from the great gameplan by Porto; keep the fight standing at all costs.
Good match up for Tara.
With zuffaforce being on it’s death bed, Shayna-Liz is the right way to go.
I think Alexis Davis should be in the mix for the 135 belt if she’s not busy at Strikeforce. I’m afraid Baszler could make quick work of Smith. I saw Rose Namajunas getting some Camera time at InvictaFC3 and I’m excited to see her get in the mix at 115. I was calling for her vs Tecia Torres before the IFC3 card was announced. I’d love to see Vannessa Porto vs Barb Honchac, when I heard Porto was moving down to 125 I knew she had that division on lock but Barb will put up a great fight. I want to see Tay Stradford get fast-tracked and put up against some really tough competition at 145. Michelle Waterson vs Stephanie Frausto, winner gets next 105 title shot. Nicdali vs Lisa Ellis. Bring Back Michelle Guitierrez! That girl gots good hands, and wrestling doesn’t look too shabby either. Great at social media too. Give her another chance! Her vs Bethany. I could go on but I’ll leave it at that
India vs anyone, she is a beast ! Tecia debut was awesome also. Both of them are exciting fighters.
Correct me if I am wrong but isn’t Sara McMann still the one deserving an opponent for the 135 title fight? She wasn’t even mentioned as a possibility?
That hope was dashed when McMann signed with Strikeforce – they are trying to set up her vs. Rousey so I don’t suspect they will lend her to Invicta