Cris Cyborg proved be on another level as she once again defeated Marloes Coenen via TKO in the fourth round to take the Invicta FC 145-pound belt in the main event of Invicta 6 from the Ameristar Casino Hotel in Kansas City.
Coenen was able to merely survive until her inevitable demise Saturday night. The Dutch submission artist tried to pull the fight to the ground continuously. She paid the price as Cyborg punished her with vicious ground-and-pound round after round.
For Cyborg, there is little left outside of a superfight with Ronda Rousey, but contractual and logistical obstacles make efforts a virtual dead end. Ediane Gomes has stated an interest at taking on the fellow Brazilian. Gomes’ lack of bout to prove her worth due to an opponent pre-fight injury adds some concern about the marketability of a theoretical bout with Cyborg.
For Coenen, her career now hangs in the balance. The veteran has few opportunities at 145 pounds. A third fight with Cyborg would be, at minimum, two fights down the road.
Claudia Gadelha vs. Ayaka Hamasaki
The Brazilian bullied Ayaka Hamasaki before finishing the fight via ground-and-pound in the third round. She moves to 11-0 as Hamasaki falls to 9-1. The Japanese grappler could not handle the ground control and aggression of Claudia Gadelha, who will now face Esparza for the belt.
Sarah D’Alelio vs. Lauren Taylor
Lauren Taylor nabbed a curious decision to move to 8-0, while Sarah D’Alelio falls to 7-4-1 and was visibly perturbed.
Jennifer Maia vs. Leslie Smith
Leslie Smith, true to form, threw well over 500 strikes and outpaced Jennifer Maia to move to 6-3-1. Maia is a gamer and is clearly a capable 125-pound contender at 7-3.
Jessica Penne vs. Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc
Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc tapped with three seconds remaining in the first round via RNC, falling to 8-7 in her career. Jessica Penne won a fight she was supposed to dominate, advancing to 11-2. Penne is looking to make a quick comeback to reclaim the belt she once held.
Joanne Calderwood vs. Norma Rueda Center
Joanne Calderwood was noticeably gassed as she fought to a decision victory, improving to 7-0. Norma Rueda Center spent most of the fight attempting to unravel the Calderwood riddle, and paid the price in the decision. She falls to 2-1.
Bec Hyatt vs. Mizuki Inoue
Mizuki Inoue defeated Bec Hyatt despite a third-round surge from the Australian. Inoue came on strong the first two rounds to secure a victory and improve to 6-1. Hyatt will be forced to a tune-up fight after falling to 5-3 in her career.
Miriam Nakamoto vs. Duda Yankovich
Miriam Nakamoto stopped Duda Yankovich in the first round via vicious ground-and-pound which followed a series of brutal knees. Nakamoto improves to 2-0-1, while Yankovich falls to 1-2.
Rose Namajunas vs. Tecia Torres
An early Fight of the Night saw Tecia Torres claim a controversial decision to move to 3-0. Rose Namajunas takes a tough loss. She likely has not fallen far in the 115-pound division after falling to 2-1.
Tamikka Brents vs. Ediane Gomes
Tamikka Brents suffered a last-second injury to her knee. Ediane Gomes is still considered top contender despite not competing in her tune-up bout.
Ashley Cummins vs. Emily Kagan
Emily Kagan defeated Ashley Cummings by split decision. Kagan improves to 3-1, while Cummins falls to 3-2.
Kathina Catron vs. Livia Von Plettenberg
Livia Von Plettenberg defeated Kathina Catron by unanimous decision. Catron put on a game effort with a 24-hour notice. Von Plettenberg improves her record to 2-1.
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