Julia Budd's Opponent Named for Invicta FC 5

From an official Invicta FC press release:

 

 

JULIA BUDD TO FACE MOLLIE ESTES AT

INVICTA FC 5 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLEHEADER

VERONICA ROTHENHAUSLER WITHDRAWS WITH INJURY

 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (March 25, 2013) –Hard-hitting kickboxing stylist Julia “The Jewel” Budd (4-2) of Port Moody, BC Canada will square off with upstart Mollie Estes (1-1) of Kansas City in a featherweight (145 pounds) contest at the highly-anticipated Invicta Fighting Championships women’s Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) world championship doubleheader event at Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City on Friday, April 5. 

Estes’ original opponent, Veronica Rothenhausler of Sacramento, Calif., has withdrawn from the event due to injury.

The 29-year-old Budd, a protégé of and spouse to former MMA star Lance Gibson known for her phenomenal conditioning, is looking for her third straight victory in the cage after reeling off back-to-back, first-round TKO wins – both by way of punches and elbow strikes -in Invicta FC competition.  On July 28, 2012, she stopped Elina Nilsson at Invicta FC 2 and, on Oct. 6, 2012, she finished Danielle West at Invicta FC 3.

Budd’s only two career losses to date came at the hands of champion Ronda Rousey and top-ranked Amanda Nunes.  In March 2005, Budd became the first fighter to defeat superstar Gina Carano by way of unanimous decision after they faced off in a Muay Thai rules bout.

The 37-year-old Estes will make her second start in the Invicta FC cage after taking on 2008 Olympic wrestling bronze medalist Randi Miller at the promotion’s inaugural event on April 28, 2011.  Expected to be disposed of in the early going of the matchup against the world-class wrestler, Estes held her own and pushed Miller into the third and final scheduled round of the contest before being stopped with a barrage of punches from Miller.

Before turning pro with a three-round unanimous decision victory over Lacie Jackson on Oct. 1, 2011, Estes enjoyed a splendid, two-year stint as an amateur, compiling an overall record of 7-1, with all 7 of her wins coming by way of (T)KO or submission.

The Invicta FC 5 lineup is set for their April 5 show in Kansas City. The company’s online PPV will feature eight fights and cost $9.99. The card will also feature a six fight undercard that will air for free online.

Main Card

• Invicta FC Atomweight Championship: Jessica Penne (10-1) vs. Michelle “The Karate Hottie” Waterson (10-3)
• Inaugural Invicta FC Flyweight Championship: Vanessa Porto (15-5) vs. Barb “Little Warrior” Honchak (7-2)
• 145: Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos (10-1) vs. Fiona Muxlow (6-2)
• 135: Sarah Kaufman (15-2) vs. Leslie “The Peacemaker” Smith (5-2-1)
• 125: Zoila “The Warrior Princess” Frausto Gurgel (12-2) vs. Jennifer Maia (6-2-1)
• 135: Kaitlin Young (7-7-1) vs. Lauren Taylor (5-0)
• 145: Julia “The Jewel” Budd (4-2) vs. Mollie Estes (1-1)
• 115: Bec “Rowdy” Hyatt (4-2) vs. Jasminka “Impressive” Cive (5-0)

Preliminary Card

• 105: “Sassy” Cassie Rodish (4-3) vs. Simona Soukupova (3-2-1)
• 135: Jessamyn “The Gun” Duke (2-0) vs. Miriam Nakamoto (1-0)
• 115: Katja “Killer Bunny” Kankaanpaa (7-0-1) vs. Juliana “Ju Thai” Carneiro Lima (5-0)
• 105: Alex Chambers (3-1) vs. Jodie Esquibel (3-0)
• 115: “Thug” Rose Namajunas (1-0) vs. Kathina “Kill Switch” Catron (2-1)

 

Invicta FC 5

FRIDAY, APRIL 5 AT

AMERISTAR CASINO HOTEL KANSAS CITY

Tickets for Invicta FC 5, priced from $25, are on sale online at TicketFly.com.

Locked and Loaded: Getting to Know Invicta FC's Jessamyn "The Gun" Duke

By Lacey Neher

The last time we saw Kentucky's Jessamyn "The Gun" Duke (2-0) in the cage was back in October of 2012 at Invicta FC 3 when she defeated Marciea Allen via submission. Duke astounded the crowd with her amazing turn around after Allen had her on the ground trying to finish Duke by ground n pound. Jessamyn shrugged off the assault and transitioned Allen into a secure armbar she couldn't break free from.

Duke spent a majority of her amateur career fighting in the 145lb division in promotions such as, Absolute Action and Tuff-n-Uff. She now has her feet planted firmly in the 135lb division which is a great fit for the almost 6' tall Duke. Her dedication and love of the sport is apparent in her work ethic and skill set.

Duke is getting ready to enter the Invicta FC cage for the third time against Californian, Miriam Nakamoto (1-0). I had the chance to ask her some questions leading up to Invicta FC 5 on April 5th, and she graciously answered them.



LN:  How did you get your start in Mixed Martial Arts?


Duke: I moved to Richmond, KY with my Mom to go to school at EKU and per my mother’s encouragement I sought out something to do to get me out of the house. I’d always been in athletics of some sort but was struggling to find something after high school that really resonated with me. I just sort of happened into the AFS Academy of Martial Arts and Fitness in Richmond and signed up for kickboxing classes. I instantly fell in love and shortly after that signed up for ALL the classes offered at the academy. Fast forward four years, through many grappling tournaments and a handful of amateur Muay Thai fights and you have me making my amateur MMA debut in Oct. 2010. Since then I’ve completely dedicated myself to being the very best in this sport.



LN: Who is your biggest influence....inspiration?


Duke: While I could name SEVERAL fighters that have been big inspirations and role models to me from day one, I believe that the single biggest influence AND inspiration to me as a fighter and a person, it would have to be my coach, Scott Elliott. Shortly after I first started training at his gym he was diagnosed with level IV melanoma and spent a year under treatment battling the illness. Seeing his dedication to teaching and his commitment to his athletes even in one of his darkest times showed me his true colors as a coach and I knew that we were a perfect fit. Since then he has helped me grow and develop as a fighter in so many ways. He constantly pushes me to be better and never lets me stop evolving. Not only is his knowledge in all areas of MMA incredible vast, he also has an open mind about learning and training and encourages me to constantly seek out new training to help me grow.



LN: What goes through your head moments before the opening seconds of a fight?

Duke:When the cage door shuts and the ref starts asking, “Are you ready?” my entire focus is on getting my hands on my opponent. I’ve waited for months to be here, in this position and NOW it’s my chance. I can’t WAIT to get the fight started and to finally get my chance to do all the things I’ve trained to do. It’s totally about imposing my will.


LN: What has been your greatest obstacle?

Duke: I don’t feel that I’ve had any great obstacles in my career that I couldn’t overcome. Early on in my amateur career finding fights and opponents willing to show up and make weight was somewhat difficult, but honestly since making my pro debut with Invicta I’ve felt that I’ve had a great amount of control over my career and the responsibility lies with my to train diligently and commit myself to this sport… because when I do, the opportunities I need are there and ready for me to take advantage of them!


LN: What do you think Invicta is doing for Women's MMA and yourself?

Duke: Invicta truly is changing the dynamic of the sport for women. They have allowed athletes like myself to make this a career. A full time job. When fighters can do that, the bar is raised, and the competition gets thicker. That’s exactly what the females needed to really develop our divisions. They have given us a platform to perform on and show the world what we are capable of! Without Invicta I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today. I will always be thankful to Shannon Knapp and Janet Martin for the opportunity they have provided to all of us. They truly have made it possible for me to follow my dreams.



LN:. What do you do when you aren't training?


Duke: Sleep, eat, play video games, and hang out with my pals. The balance is needed. When you go all out in training, pushing your body and mind to new places, it’s so important to recover properly. I’m a very relaxed, easy going person. It’s why most people who knew me before I started training find it so strange that this is my job now. So when I’m not going beast mode in training, I like to make sure that my mind and my body get all the rest they need.

Duke right after becoming victorious at Invicta FC 3

LN: Are you doing anything special to prepare for your Invicta 5 opponent, Miriam Nakamoto?


Duke: She’s an extremely seasoned and dangerous Muay Thai fighter. She’s been fighting and training for a long time. My training has been focused on developing all of my skills and attributes to a whole new level because I feel the best way to defeat Miriam is to be a well-rounded MMA fighter. She clearly has distinct advantages and disadvantages in MMA. I don’t plan on playing up to her strengths.


LN: What is your ultimate goal in the sport?


Duke:To be considered the best female fighter on the planet.



LN What is your favorite part of being a Mixed Martial Artist?

Duke: The training and the lifestyle!!! The worst day of being a MMA fighter and teacher is better than the best day of working some monotonous 9-5 job. My days are filled with training, teaching, studying fights, travelling to new places and new gyms, and getting life experiences that very few ever get. Sometimes its busy and stressful, but I just remind myself that I’m living a dream of mine. It’s absolutely incredible.



LN: Is there anything else you would like to add or anyone you would like to thank?

Duke: My coach, Scott Elliott, and all of my friends and teammates at the AFS Academy for helping me become the fighter I am today! My family for their support and devotion to helping me become the best fighter in the world. My manager Brett Atchley of ASMM… and of course all my amazing sponsors who help make it possible for me to make this a full time job: Polanti Watches, VII AD, Babes of MMA, Outlaw Fight Gear, KLENCH Mouthguards, Horse Power Strength &Conditioning, Intimidation, Dr. Taverni, Hype X-treme, Combatives Gear, Fight Soap, and SWOLE Nutrition!



Best of luck Jessamyn! We look forward to seeing you in action in April!


Hang out with us on our FB page, Real Women and Men watch MMA during Invicta FC 5 for live updates and discussion.

Invicta FC 5 Tickets go on Sale and a Change to the Lineup

 

From an Invicta FC Press Release:

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (March 11, 2013) – Tickets priced from $25, for the highly-anticipated Invicta Fighting Championships women’s Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) world championship doubleheader at Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City on Friday,  April 5, are on sale online at TicketFly.com.

In the main event of the stacked 14-bout card, reigning Invicta FC Atomweight (105 pounds) Champion Jessica Penne (10-1) of Huntington Beach, Calif. will defend her crown against superstar Michelle “The Karate Hottie” Waterson (10-3) of Albuquerque, N.M. and, in the co-main event and first-ever Invicta FC flyweight (125 pounds) title fight, submission ace Vanessa Porto (15-5) of Sao Paulo, Brazil will square off with red-hot star Barb Honchak (7-2) of Bettendorf, Iowa.

In a featured, main card bout pound-for-pound great and devastating featherweight (145 pounds) KO artist Cris Cyborg (10-1, 1 NC) of Curitiba, Brazil will make her Invicta FC debut against streaking submission ace and Unified Women’s Professional MMA Rankings world No. 2 featherweight Ediane “India” Gomes! (10-2) of Coconut Creek, Fla. via Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Flyweight superstar Zoila Frausto Gurgel (12-2) of Cincinnati, Ohio will also make her Invicta FC debut in another featured bout against submission expert Jennifer Maia (6-2) of Curitiba, Parana Brazil.

An injury has forced Nicdali “The Night Queen” Rivera-Calanoc (8-6) of Tulsa, Okla. to withdraw from her scheduled atomweight (105 pounds) preliminary card bout with Cassie Rodish (4-3) of Des Moines, Iowa. Rodish will face Simona Soukupova (3-2) of London, England.

In other action on the nine-bout main card, bantamweight (135 pounds) superstar Sarah Kaufman (15-2) of Victoria, BC Canada will make her long-awaited Invicta FC debut against dangerous striker and Invicta FC 3 and Invicta FC 4 winner Leslie “The Peacemaker” Smith (5-2-1) of Pleasant Hill, Calif.

Hard-hitting KO artist Amanda “Lioness of the Ring” Nunes (7-3) of Miami, Fla. via Salvador, Bahia Brazil will look to rebound from her Invicta FC 4 unanimous decision defeat at the hands of Sarah D’Alelio when she squares off with fellow power striker Kaitlin Young (7-7-1) of St. Louis Park, Minn. at bantamweight.

In a featherweight contest, hard-punching Julia “The Jewel” Budd (4-2) of Port Moody, BC Canada will meet rising star Fiona Muxlow (6-2) of Townsville, Queensland Australia

Crowd-pleasing “Rowdy” Bec Hyatt (4-2) of Brisbane, Australia will drop from flyweight to strawweight (115 pounds) and look to return to the win column against undefeated sensation and Invicta FC newcomer Jasminka Cive (5-0) of Graz, Austria.

The Invicta FC six-fig! ht preliminary card will be highlighted by a bantamweight tilt between two undefeated prospects in powerhouse Jessamyn “The Gun” Duke (2-0) of Richmond, Ky. and Muay Thai stylist Miriam Nakamoto (1-0) of Dublin, Calif.

Katja Kankaanpaa (7-0-1) of Seinajoki, Finland will square off with fellow undefeated rising star Juliana Carnerio Lima (5-0) of Belo Horizonte, Brazil at strawweight in what will mark both fighters’ Invicta FC debuts.

Alex Chambers (4-1) of St. Ives New South Wales, Australia will meet unbeaten Jodie Esquibel of Albuquerque, N.M. at atomweight.

Fresh off of her professional debut victory in the Invicta FC cage, top-flight prospect Rose Namajunas (1-0) of St. Paul, Minn. will face off with fellow undefeated upstart Kathina Catron (2-0) of Tehlequa, Okla. at strawweight.

Following her explosive first round KO and professional debut victory over Katalina Malungahu at Invicta FC 4, recent Team Alpha Male enlistee Veronica Rothenhausler (1-0) of Sacramento, Calif. will return to the cage against Mollie Estes (1-1) of Kansas City.

Real Women and Mens MMA will be in attendance and will keep you up to date on the "goings on" inside the cage and out. Check out our FB home base, Real Women and Men watch MMA.

Don't Get Me Wrong... I'm Happy Women are in the UFC: A Rant of Sorts.

Editorial by: Lacey Neher

Rousey and Carmouche embrace at the
 UFC Post Fight Press Conferance

As an avid fan of MMA especial Women's MMA, I feel it is my duty to express my opinion about the UFC's first women's bout and where they may or perhaps, should go from here. Liz Carmouche was the first woman to walk through Dana White's "Never" statement and into the octagon for the first Women's bout in the history of the organizations tenure. Ronda Rousey, followed and the two ladies put on a show.

At this point, we know how the fight went down. Ronda Rousey donned the UFC Women's Bantamweight belt after putting her world famous armbar submission to work on Carmouche with 11 seconds left in round 1. Carmouche gave her a run for her money, when she jumped on Rousey's back and tried with all her might to sink in a standing rear naked choke, to no avail. Carmouche may not be the champ, but she is well respected after last nights efforts.

I must say, I am impressed with the UFC on how they promoted UFC 157. I was certain that they would sex up the commercials, in an attempt to sell PPV's to the average UFC viewer. The promo's were not sexy at all, which I was very happy about. The UFC got it right, letting the women show the casual MMA fan, who hasn't given the women a chance that they are just as talented, tough and have just as much heart (if not more) as the men. We will see more of the same from the ladies in the future and hopefully, the UFC will look to expand and bring in other weight classes.

Having said this, I am still waiting to see whether Dana White and the powers that be over at Zuffa will take this gem they have with the women and mess it up, by using "sex" to draw in viewers.



Another point I'd like to make is that Women's MMA is a whole different ball of wax when it comes to sportsmanship and class. When I attended Invicta FC 3 back in October of 2012, I saw women who were beating the crap out of each other just hours before were hanging out and partying together, because for the most part they left it all in the cage. The sense of community among the women is very welcoming, and approachable. I hope that the UFC doesn't strip the Womens community of this by making the fighters untouchable to the fans.



A small part of this is true with Ronda Rousey. Back when the Women's MMA Media MMA awards came out, Ronda Rousey won a couple of awards. We were able to get statements from all the fighters. (even international fighters), but after multiple attempts by all of us to get a statement from Ms. Rousey, we heard nothing. I was needless to say a little peeved because, Our little group of FMMA advocates who do most of our work promoting Women's MMA (asking for nothing in return) have worked long and hard to see the day women fighters are let into that "boys club" known as the UFC could get a one sentence statement stating thanks from Ronda.

I am also sitting in disagreement over a statement said at UFC 157 last night. It was implied by the commentators that Dana White decided to let the women fight in the UFC merely based on Ronda Rousey. That is an insulting statement to those of us who work behind the scenes to get Women's MMA out there for the masses to see that they deserve the respect of all MMA promotions and fans.

Yes, Ronda may have finally convinced DW that women have a place in the UFC, but with the inception of Invicta Fighting Championships, he had no choice. I've said it before, and I will say it again. The women fight to win. How could you not give women's MMA a go after Invicta has proven over and over again that Female Fighters can carry an entire show and the fans are very enthusiastic for more. Case in Point, So many people tried to buy the last Invicta show on PPV stream that the servers over at Ustream crashed.

Don't get me wrong, I am super happy that women are fighting in the UFC. The UFC needed something new to breath life into their overexposed promotion. The women are that breathe. Please Dana, don't screw it up!

As always join us on our FB homepage, Real Women and Men watch MMA.

Invicta FC 5 Fight Card Complete and Stacked! Fifteen Fights!

Posted By Lacey Neher

On April 5th 2013, Invicta Fighting Championships will hold it's fifth show in a year. The event will take place at the Ameristar Casino Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri. We will see a Championship Belt Double Header with Atomweight Champ, Jessica Penne taking on "The Karate Hottie" Michele Waterson, and the two top Flyweight contenders, Barb Honchak fighting Vanessa Porto for the inaugural belt.  The main card and Prelim card is listed below. With all the match-ups being so exciting the thin line between Main and Prelims is a might blurry.

In the next month and a half, I will be posting interviews and videos all related to Invicta FC 5. Let the countdown begin to one of the most stacked cards that Invicta has had to date! 

*With the addition of Cris Cyborg to the Invicta Roster, The India Gomes vs. Julia Budd fight has turned into Cyborg vs. Gomes. The winner will face Marloes Coenen for the Invicta Featherweight Championship. Julia Budd will now face Austrailian Fighter, Fiona Muxlow.

Atomweight Championship: Jessica Penne vs. Michelle Waterson
Flyweight Championship: Barb Honchak vs. Vanessa Porto
Zoila Frausto Gurgel vs. Jennifer Maia
Sarah Kaufman vs. Leslie Smith
Amanda Nunes vs. Kaitlin Young
 Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos vs. Ediane "India" Gomes
Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc vs. Cassie Rodish
Bec Hyatt vs. Jasminka Cive
Katja Kankaanpaa vs. Juliana Carnerio Lima
Julia Budd vs. Fiona Muxlow

Preliminary Card:

Jessamyn Duke vs. Miriam Nakamoto
Alex Chambers vs. Jodie Esquibel
Rose Namajunas vs. Kathina Catron
Mollie Estes vs. Veronica Rothenhausler
Lauren Barefoot vs. River Jones

As always join us on our FB home base, Real Women and Men watch MMA.

Highlight Video of the Week: Autumn" Thunder" King

 

Autumn (Richardson) King  has had many Ammy MMA fights.  The featherweight has had many of those fights with the Tuff-N-Uff promotion out of Las Vegas. Autumn is ready to go Pro and hopes to fight for Invicta FC someday soon. To contact her, email her at facebook.com/knockoutmomma

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are interested in having HL video made, contact me (Lacey Neher) at

realwomenandmenmma@gmail.com

Invicta FC 4 Esparza vs. Hyatt We Came to Smash! The Highlights

 

Here is Real Women and Men's MMA HL Video of the Awesomeness that was

Invicta FC 4.

Full results listed below 

 

 

 

 

 

Carla Esparza def. Bec Hyatt via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) to become Invicta FC's first strawweight champion

Alexis Davis def. Shayna Baszler via technical submission (rear-naked choke) - Round 3, 0:58

Leslie Smith def. Raquel Pennington via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Sarah D'Alelio def. Amanda Nunes via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

Ediane Gomes def. Hiroko Yamanaka via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Joanne Calderwood def. Livia von Plettenberg via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

Cassie Rodish def. Stephanie Frausto via TKO (strikes) - Round 3, 1:04

Tamikka Brents def. Amanda Bell via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Jodie Esquibel def. Liz McCarthy via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

Rose Namajunas def. Emily Kagan via submission (rear-naked choke) - Round 3, 3:44

Tecia Torres def. Paige VanZant via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Veronica Rothenhausler def. Katalina Malungahu via knockout (punch) - Round 1, 1:12

Laura Sanko def. Cassie Robb via submission (rear-naked choke) - Round 2, 1:07

2012 WMMA Press Assoc. WMMA Awards

Posted by Lacey Neher


Where in the heck did 2012 go? It was a banner year for Women's MMA with Invicta FC being born and Ronda Rousey strapping on the UFC Women's belt. Yes, Ronda Rousey is the female fighter on the tips of a lot of peoples tongues these days, but so is the Invicta Fighters who fight under the Invicta Fighting Championships banner.

The WMMA press is made up of small group of websites including this one. We choose the winners by our vote, except for the fan fave which was voted on by you. These awards are NOT for the hottest looking fighter, but for the fighters who showed that thay are a force to be reckoned with in the cage and out as well. And the winners are........

 

 

 

Fight of the Year

 Sarah Kaufman vs. Alexis Davis

 

 Fighter of the Year

Ronda Rousey

 

 



 

 Female Featherweight of the Year (145lbs)

Julia Budd 

 

 

 

 

 Female Bantamweight of the Year (135lbs)

Ronda Rousey

 

 

 

 

 

Female Flyweight of the Year (125lbs)

Jessica Eye

 

 

 

 

Female Straweight of the Year (115lbs)

Carla Esparza

 

 

 

Female Atomweight Fighter of the Year (110lbs)

Jessica Penne

 

 

 

 

Female Newcomer of the Year

Joanne Calderwood

 

 

 

Female Amateur of the Year

Tecia Torres

 

 

 

Knockout of the Year

Kaline Medeiros vs. Stephanie Eggink

 

 

 

Submission of the Year

Jessica Eye submits Zoila Gurgel

 

 

 

 

 

Promotion of the Year

Invicta Fighting Championships

 

 

\

 

Sponsor of the Year

Tussle Fight Gear

 

 

 

 

 

 Headline of the Year

Rousey Signs with the UFC

 

 

Fan Fave (as voted by the fans)
 

1) Bec Hyatt 265 18% (of the vote)

 

 

 

 

Fan fave 2nd thru 5th place
 

2) Ronda Rousey 195 13%

 

3) Miesha Tate 155 10%

 

4) Jessica Eye 143 10%

 

5) Felice Herrig 104 7%

 

 

Most Inspirational Fighter

Megumi Fujii

 

 

 

 

Check out Marq Piocos from Wombat Sports Wrapping up the awards with accepptance speeches from a great deal of the winners. 

 

 

 

 

As always join us on our fb home Real Women and Men watch MMA

 

 

Mixed Martial Arts 2012: The Year in Images

Up For the Challenge: Invicta FC Fighter: Carla Esparza

By Lacey Neher

Carla "The Cookie Monster" Esparza (8-2) has been a mainstay on the pro women's MMA scene since 2010. Her two losses came to the top fighters, in the 115lbs. division (Fujii, Aguilar), and she is now fighting on January 5th, 2013 for the Straweight belt at Invicta Fighting Championships fourth show. Esparza is headlining along side of her Brazilian opponent, Claudia Gadelha. (9-0)

Carla has become known for her signature wrestling singlets she has worn in her last two fights and for her dominating wrestling style that has overpowered her opponents. I had a chance to ask Carla a couple of questions about her impending title fight, and her MMA life.



LN: How did you get your start in MMA?

Esparza: I went to a gym to do BJJ, and kind of just fell into it. I have a wrestling background, so I went to the gym to try out their BJJ. From there, I started training muay thai, and it all sort of fell together.



LN: Who and/or what is your inspiration?

Esparza: My inspiration is all of the women who have been successful in WMMA, especially all of the pioneers who made all of the opportunities I have now possible.



LN: What has been your biggest obstacle?

Esparza:My biggest obstacle in MMA was earlier in my career. I had a hard time getting fights because of my wrestling background. Because of that, I had to bump up in weight, and take last minute fights. Fortunately I don't really have to do that anymore.

LN: How do you think your expertise in wrestling will match up against Gadelha's BJJ skills?

Esparza: I think it will match up well against her, I can use my wrestling to keep it standing and make it a stand up war, or take it to the mat.



LN: What is your routine on the day of a fight?

Esparza: I usually just relax, take a nap, and get my hair done.



LN: A new Fight name has emerged for you, "The Cookie Monster". How has your teamates and fans reacted to the name?

Esparza: Haha, everyone loves it. My close friends and teammates find it very fitting.



LN:You have fought in multiple promotions, How does Invicta compare?

Esparza: Although I have fought for many promotions who have treated me well, Invicta definitely takes the cake. They are amazing.



LN: What do you think of The UFC having a Women's division? 

Esparza: I think it is just great. A big step, not only for women in MMA, but for women in sports.



LN:You are headlining Invicta FC 4 in addition to fighting for the first ever Invicta FC Straweight belt. Is the pressure going into this fight any different than any other fight?

Esparza: Yes I feel like I have more pressure, more eyes on me, but I'm up for the challenge.



LN: Do you have anything to add, or anyone you would like to thank?

Esparza:I would like to thank my team, Team Oyama for getting me to where I am today. Innovative Results for strength & conditioning. Brawl and Maul Performance Fight Gear, Alienware technology, Battleware, and Fear the Fighter for supporting me through my journey. And of course, OC Fight Doc for keeping me in one piece.






Thanks Carla! Best of luck on January 5th, in KC!

Get tickets for Invicta FC4 here----> Ticketmaster


Join us on our FB homebase Real Women and Men watch MMA