Saturday night we witnessed the crowning of the first ever Invicta FC Atomweight Champion as Jessica Penne took out previously unbeaten Japanese star Naho Sugiyama.
Penne looked to be the stronger fighter from the get go in this one and displayed that impressive power by catching a kick from “Sugi Rock” and pushing her to the floor. After gaining full mount she looked to have complete control, however the seemingly out matched Sugiyama managed to scramble and avoid being finished.
When the bell rang for the second round Penne was the aggressor yet again and after locking into a Thai clinch she hammered Sugiyama to the mat. The Japanese star took advantage and rolled into top position but it was no use as Penne displayed some impressive ground work from her back and transitioned into a triangle choke. Just when it looked as though Sugiyama my survive the hold Penne adjusted and got the tap at 2:20 of the second round.
Penne is now riding a three fight win streak and her only career defeat came at Bellator 25 to Bellator’s 125lb champ Zoila Gurgel.
In the co-main event of the evening Shayna Baszler looked impressive as she picked up a second round finish by way of rear naked choke over former Strikeforce fighter Sarah D’Alelio.
In a rematch of a war that went down at Invicta’s inaugural event Leslie Smith took just two rounds to earn the victory over veteran Kaitlin Young.
It was back and forth action from the opening bell but when the second started it was Smith who proved dominant. After taking the fight to the ground and scrambling to top position she gained a mounted crucifix position and rained down punches. Young tried to scramble free but it was to no avail as the ref stepped in at 2:19 of the second.
As always the ladies of Invicta put on an amazing action packed card and one can’t wait to see what’s in store for their fourth installment.
Watch last night’s fight between Kaitlin Young and Leslie Smith in the video below.
VIDEO COURTESY OF INVICTA FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS..
Full results from the nights event
Main Card:
~ Jessica Penne def. Naho Sugiyama – triangle choke submission 2:20 2nd round (Penne wins Invicta FC Atomweight Championship)
~ Shayna Baszler def. Sarah D’Alelio – rear naked choke submission 0:37 2nd round
~ Leslie Smith def. Kaitlin Young – punches TKO 2:19 2nd round
~ Barb Honchak def. Aisling Daly – unanimous decision (30-27 all three judges)
~ Vanessa Porto def. Tara LaRosa – unanimous decision (30-27 all three judges)
~ Cat Zingano def. Raquel Pennington – rear naked choke submission 3:32 2nd round
~ Michelle Waterson def. Lacey Schuckman – split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
~ Julia Budd def. Danielle West – strikes TKO 2:32 1st round
Preliminary Card:
~ Carla Esparza def. Lynn Alvarez – punches TKO 2:53 1st round
~ Joanne Calderwood def. Ashley Cummins – knee KO 3:13 1st round
~ Stephabie Frausto def. Amy Davis – guillotine submission 0:48 1st round
~ Jessamyn Duke def. Marciea Allen – armber submission 4:42 1st round
~ Tecia Torres def. Kaiyana Rain – unanimous decision (30-27 all three judges)
~ Ediane Gomes def. Katalina Malungahu – rear naked choke submission 4:19 1st round
Contributing Writer – Shaun MacQuarrie
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