Invicta Add 15 to its Roster Including Peggy Megan and Roxanne Modafferi

Invicta Add 15 to its Roster Including Peggy Megan and Roxanne Modafferi

Invicta Fighting Championships has announced the signing of fifteen women’s Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) athletes to the Kansas City based promotion. The fifteen new athletes are spread across all five of the current weight classes in the women’s world championship MMA promotion and represent the next chapter in the history of Women’s MMA.

Since the inaugural Invicta FC live event in April 2012, Invicta has maintained its goal of showcasing current stars of Women’s MMA, but also building the stars of the future. To date over a dozen athletes have made their professional debuts fighting for Invicta FC, a trend that continues with the signings announced today.

“Invicta has always endeavored to balance delivering the athletes fans know and love, with an eye towards building the next generation of female MMA stars,” said Invicta FC President Shannon Knapp. “It has always been important to give the fans new athletes to cheer for, and to give the athletes themselves a platform to showcase their talent for the entire world to see.”

Continuing another Invicta FC trend, recently signed athletes hail from all corners of the globe, including as far away as New Zealand. “Women’s MMA is truly a global sport, and at Invicta we have scoured the globe in order to bring the best talent to our fans,” said Knapp. “There is talent all around the globe, and our goal at Invicta has been to provide athletes with a worldwide platform to display their talent.”

Newly minted Invicta FC Matchmaker Julie Kedze is excited with the options the new signings represent for Invicta. “This new class provides me with added depth to put together match ups that we believe the fans want to see.” remarked Kedzie.

Invicta currently plans to hold six world class MMA events in 2014, with the first tentatively planned for early April.

The following is a complete list of the most recent signings by Invicta FC, led by Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) veterans Peggy Morgan and Roxanne Modafferi.

Atomweight (105lbs)
Amber Brown- 3-1, United States

Strawweight (115lbs)
Livia Renata Souza- 5-0, Brazil
Karolina Kowalkiewicz – 4-0, Poland
Mellony Geugjes -0-1 MMA, 18-5-2 Kickboxing, 10-0 PRO Boxing, Netherlands
Herica Tiburcio- 7-2, Brazil
Ashley Greenway- Pro Debut, United States

Flyweight (125lbs)
Rachel Ostovich- 0-1, United States
Joanna Jedrzejczyk –  4-0, Poland
Valerie Letourneau – 4-3, Canada
Delaney Owen – Pro Debut, United States

Bantamweight (135lbs)
Peggy Morgan- 2-1, United States
Roxanne Modafferi – 15-11, United States
Cindy Dandois- 5-1, Belgium
Irene Aldana-  3-1, Mexico

Featherweight (145lbs)
Faith Van Duin- 4-0, New Zealand

Invicta FC’s most recent event on December 7th saw Barb “Lil’ Warrior” Honchak (9-2) make the first defense of her Flyweight World Title (125 Pounds) against Leslie “The Peacemaker” Smith (6-4-1). Invicta FC also crowned it’s very first Bantamweight World Champion (135 pounds), when Lauren Murphy (8-0) defeated Miriam “The Queen of Mean” Nakamoto (2-1) by way of TKO (knee injury).

Kingdom MMA 2013 Awards: Female Fighter of the Year

Kingdom MMA Female Fighter of the Year Award 2013: Joanne Calderwood
by Ben Heather - @benheather

2013 has been the year women's MMA has joined the big leagues and is started to get the full respect it deserves, not only did the UFC finally introduce a women's division in the 135lb division but Invicta has been building on its debut year last year to have a strong 2013. You also have promotions such as Cage Warriors who have signed a host of women to its roster this year. The UFC has only recently announced that it will introduce a second women's division to its roster in 2014, this time the strawweights are coming on board and in a big way. TUF20 will be the first time where it will be a house full of women and not only that the winner of the series will be crowned the UFC's first 115lb champion.

So as part of our inaugural Kingdom MMA awards 2013 it was an easy decision to include a category for female fighter of the year.

Its been a great year for WMMA, in a year where Ronda Rousey twice defended her UFC title, Cris Cyborg became the first 145lb champion in Invicta FC and Juliana Pena became the first woman to win the title of The Ultimate Fighter its hard to pick a winner. You also have women such as Alexis Davis who has been a pro for more than 6 and a half years and has gone undefeated in 2013 having fought some of the top women in the 135lb division. Then you have some of the new fighters coming on to the scene in a big way such as Scotland's undefeated JoJo Calderwood.

We had a really hard time getting just one winner with two stand outs for the award in Alexis Davis and JoJo Calderwood, both of who went undefeated in 2013 and have beat some of the top women in their respective divisions. In the end after a group discussion we had our winner, Joanne Calderwood.

Jojo had her first professional MMA fight only last year and is now 8-0. She has had four fights in 2013 three of which were under the Invicta FC banner winning each by unanimous division. She also fought in her home town of Glasgow, Scotland fighting for Cage Warriors back in April where she won by TKO. Then possibly the biggest news for JoJo came only a couple of weeks ago when she found out her Invicta FC contract had been acquired by the UFC making her only the second Scottish fighter to be on the books with the UFC, the first was her Dinky Ninjas team mate Rob Whiteford. She also becomes the second British woman to have signed for the UFC with Rosi Sexton the first.

2013 has been a great year for JoJo but 2014 could be a year which defines her whole career. She has the opportunity to become the UK's first UFC champion and in all honesty is our best hope, with only Michael Bisping and Brad Pickett as our other real contenders.

Congratulations Jojo you have been crowned Kingdom MMA’s 2013 female fighter of the year – Jojo we salute you.

Felice Herrig Signs Multi-Fight Deal with Invicta FC

Felice Herrig Signs Multi-Fight Deal with Invicta FC

Twenty-eight year-old Strawweight (115 pounds) superstar Felice “Lil’ Bulldog” Herrig (9-4) of Crystal Lake, Ill. has signed an exclusive, multi-fight agreement with women’s world championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotion Invicta Fighting Championships.

Herrig, a winner of four consecutive fights and protégé of MMA star Jeff Curran, will make her Invicta FC debut later this year.

“I couldn’t be happier than I am now, after signing with Invicta FC,” said Herrig.  “I have seen them do so much for women and really give them a chance to shine.  I don’t think anyone realized how big Invicta FC would become, and I am truly proud to say I have found a home with them.

“We are excited about bringing Felice, one of the brightest, young talents in the women’s field of MMA, under the Invicta FC umbrella,” said Invicta FC President Shannon Knapp.  “Felice has overcome a lot of stiff competition, thus far, during her career, and we are looking forward to seeing her perform against some of the top women in the world who fight for Invicta FC.”

A seasoned striker who began her fight career as a kickboxer, Herrig was initially introduced to a national audience as a competitor on Fight Girls, the Oxygen network reality series that followed a group of women Muay Thai fighters vying for greatness in Thailand’s national sport.  Herrig emerged victorious over a champion in Thailand before the series concluded.

Herrig went on to become a world Muay Thai champion, winning the International Kickboxing Federation bantamweight crown on November 15, 2008 by earning a unanimous decision over Katie Meehan in Chicago.  She also enjoyed a stint fighting in Chuck Norris’ now-defunct kickboxing promotion, World Combat League.

In her last MMA fight on March 28, Herrig earned a split decision victory over Heather Clark in Tampa, Fla.

Stay tuned to Kingdom MMA for all the latest on Invicta FC and Womens MMA

Joanne Calderwood "My game plan is to win. Thats it." ahead of fighting at Invicta 6

Kingdom MMA catch up with Joanne Calderwood before her Invicta 6 fight

by Ben Heather @benheather

Today Kingdom MMA had the pleasure of catching up again with one of the UK's rising stars Joanne Calderwood. Calderwood is now 6-0 in her MMA career including two wins for Invicta Fighting Championships. On Saturday night she returns to the cage to fight at Invicta 6 in Kansas City, USA knowing that a big win could put her right in the mix for a title shot.

Ben: So last time we spoke to you, you had just defeated Sally Krumdiak. What have you been up to since that fight at Cage Warriors 53?
Calderwood: Do you need to ask ;)  I'm sure the the cage in the gym sees more daylight than me.  I came out that fight with no injuries so was back in the gym the next day.  I'm not one of those fighters who is only in the gym when they have a fight coming up. I got back on a off season strength programme and back on trying to improve every area of my game working with my coaches.

Ben: I believe you also competed and won a grappling competition just after your last fight, have you taken part in any more recently?
Calderwood: Yeah I jump in where I can... competing is important to me regardless of whether its a MMA fight, grappling match, thai fight or crazy golf. The week after my fight I went down to Manchester to attend a wedding and managed  to train with Rosi Sexton and compete in the Manchester grab and pull BJJ competition winning my divisions at blue belt which was cool as there was some talented girls in there.  I was at the Scottish nationals a few weeks back also but there was no girls in my bracket. I'll compete every week if I could.

Ben: You have had a number of changes of opponents for this fight, has that altered your training regime at all?
Calderwood: Not really I never focus on my opponent...in fact I never really think of them that much till I'm in there. I spend all my time concentrating on me getting better and stuff i can control. My team always study my opponents and pick up things that I probably couldn't and they tailor things into my fight camp..they've got my back.

Ben: Were you disappointed that Gadelha got promoted and is now fighting in the title eliminator fight and not you?
Calderwood: I'm just glad to be fighting more than anything. My fight will be the best on the night whoever it's against. I really believe I'm going to have to fight all these girls at some point to get where I'm going.

Ben: Do you feel you are close to being given that opportunity of a number one contender fight?
Calderwood: I've fought on the Invicta show twice now and performed well, I was the fist girl to get a KO on the show, I've signed for another 6 fights there. There is a lot of talent in my division I'll keep winning until I get my shot. Whether it's after this fight or a few fights down the line.

Ben: Are you pleased to be back fighting for Invicta again and working towards getting that title shot?
Calderwood: Yeah I'm so excited, I love it over here. The Invicta team are great and I always look forward to seeing them, they treat me really well and make me feel like a professional athlete. They are unlike any other promotion I've ever been involved with.

Ben: You are now fighting Norma Rueda Center, what do you know about her and do you think this is a good match up for you?
Calderwood: Like i said I'm happy to be fighting again, the world doesn't want to see me without a fight, it would get ugly....I'd be pulling my hair out! Norma is from Jacksons MMA which is pretty much all you need to know about her. Those guys are not regarded as one of the best gyms in the game for nothing. I expect her to come in with a solid game plan and try and see it out.

Ben: What day do you travel to the US ahead of the fight and who is going along from the team to support you?
Calderwood: I left this morning and I'm here now (Tuesday) we had 10 hours in the air and a few casualties in the airport due to delayed flight and me running skipping queues to make my connection flight. James Doolan is here with me, we work well together and I'm very confident with him in my corner.

Ben: Do you have any concerns about cutting weight with the travelling for this fight? After all last time the arena was in your home town.
Calderwood: It is easier being home to do a weight cut, but when you go away there is always a lot of time to waste and always adds to the journey. No two weight cuts are the same the only thing that's consistent with cutting weight is its all mental. I've done it a few times before so it will be cool.

Ben: What's the game plan or Saturday night and how do you expect the fight to go?
Calderwood: My game plan is to win. That's it.

Many Thanks to Joanne for taking the time out from her schedule to talk to Kingdom MMA and we wish her all the best for her fight on Saturday night.

For anybody who wants the opportunity to meet Joanne Calderwood, she will be at the UK MMA Expo the weekend of July 20th -21st in Manchester. Tickets can be purchased from http://www.ukmmaexpo.co.uk/

Press Release: Invicta FC 6 to Broadcast Live on PPV in The US

Invicta FC 6 to Broadcast Live on PPV in The US

Two of the premier women mixed-martial-arts fighters in the world, Cris Cyborg (11-1) and Marloes Coenen (21-5), headline the July 13^th Invicta Fighting Championships 6 pay-per-view event, airing live from Ameristar Casino Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri.Brazilian KO artist Cyborg, arguably the top pound-for-pound fighters in women’s MMA, and equally dangerous Dutch submission specialist Coenen, will battle in a five, five-minute round rematch for the inaugural Invicta FC World Featherweight (145-pounds) title. “Cyborg” won their first meeting on January 30, 2010, in an action-packed fight that ended on a technical knockout (punches) in the final round. 
“We are excited about bringing the Invicta FC brand of women’s world championship Mixed Martial Arts to television for the first time with this tremendous rematch between two of the world’s top women fighters,” said Invicta FC President Shannon Knapp.  “This is yet another step forward for women’s MMA and we are extremely proud to be leading the charge.”
 
“Invicta FC 6,” presented by Invicta Fighting Championships, is being distributed in  North America by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 9:00 p.m. ET – 6:00 p.m. PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DISH,  Avail-TVN in the United States, as well as Bell TV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $14.95.

“We’re excited to be distributing Invicta FC 6 to MMA fans in the U.S.,” Integrated Sports Media president Doug Jacobs said.  ”Women’s MMA has exploded and Invicta Fighting Championships has led the charge.  Fighting stars from all over the world are coming out July 13^th for Invicta FC 6. Cyborg is one of the most recognizable and entertaining superstars in women’s MMA.  Fans really enjoy watching her fight and she’s in tough again with another bonafide star, Coenen.  It’s our pleasure to be part of this great top-to-bottom women’s MMA show on July 13^th.”

The co-main event showcases a pair of undefeated strawweights (115 lbs.) sporting identical 9-0 professional records, Japanese invader and JEWELS champion Ayaka Hamasaki and Brazilian sensation Claudia Gadelha, in a three-by-five-minute-rounds match.

Three-time Invicta FC fight winner Sarah D’Alelio (7-3), fighting out of San Jose (CA), takes on unbeaten Texas bantamweight (135 lbs.) prospect Lauren Taylor (6-0), while California (Pleasant Hills) striker Leslie “The Peacemaker” Smith (5-3-1) shoots for her third “Fight of the Night” performance, dropping down from bantamweight to flyweight (125 lbs.)for a throw-down with another gifted Brazilian, Jennifer Maia (7-2).

Also scheduled to fight on the undercard are atomweight (105 lbs.) Jessica Penne (10-2, California) vs. Nicdali “The Queen Queen” Rivera-Calanoc (8-6, Oklahoma), strawweight (Joanne Calderwood (6-0, Scotland) vs. Sarah “White Tiger” Schneider (6-6, Missouri), featherweight Ediane “India” Gomes (10-2, Florida) vs. Julia Budd (5-2, Canada), strawweight “Rowdy” Bec Hyatt (5-2, Australia) vs. Mizuki Inaoue (5-1, Japan), bantamweight Miriam Nakamoto (2-0), California) vs. Duda “Diamond” Yankovich (1-1, Brazil), strawweight Rose Namajunas (2-0, Minnesota) vs. Tecia “The Tiny Tornado” Torres (2-0, Florida), strawweight Ashley Cummins (3-1, Missouri) vs.Emily Kagan (2-1, New Mexico), featherweight Mollie Estes (1-2, Missouri) vs. Veronica “The Heartbreaker” Rothenhausier (1-0, California), and atomweight Livia Von Plettenberg (1-1, Austria) vs. Cassie Robb (0-1, Colorado).

All fights, excluding the main event and co-main event, feature three, five-minute round fights.  All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Esparza injured, Hamasaki now fights Gadelha. Joanne Calderwood's new opponent TBC

Strawweight champ Carla Esparza out of Invicta 6

by Ben Heather @benheather

Carla Esparza the Invicta strawweight champion has had to pull out from her fight against Ayaka Hamasaki at Invicta FC 6 after suffering an apparent knee injury. That fight was for Esparza's title which obviously now will not be defended. Ayaka Hamasaki, who was due to fight Carla Esparza will now face off against Claudia Gadelha. This leaves Invicta trying to find an opponent for Joanne Calderwood who should have been fighting Gadelha before the switch.

Kingdom MMA spoke with Joanne Calderwood to find out if she was still going to be fighting on the card and if an opponent had been found yet. This was her response.

"Yea I'm still on the card, my new opponent should be announced in the next few days. I wish Carla a speedy recovery and that she's back ASAP for the queue of 115lbers that will be forming for the title"

According to Invicta president Shannon Knapp, Esparza's injury may be severe enough to promote the new fight between Gadelha and Hamasaki as an interim title fight. The original fight was slated to be the co-main event to the Cris Cyborg vs Marloes Coenen featherweight title fight which will headline Invicta 6 in July.

The new co main event will be an interesting fight as both women will go in to the fight with perfect 9-0 records. This will be Hamasaki's second fight for Invicta after submitting Lacey Shuckman via armbar at Invicta FC 2: Baszler vs. McMann. However Gadleha will make her Invicta debut against possibly her toughest opponent yet.

The fights will take place on July 13th at the Ameristar Casino in Kansas City.

Leslie Smith Drops to 125, Meets Jennifer Maia in Invicta FC 6 Title Eliminator

 Leslie Smith vs Jennifer Maia Set for Invicta FC6 Title Eliminator

On the heels of her second-career Invicta Fighting Championships “Fight of the Night” performance, crowd-pleasing, prolific striker Leslie “The Peacemaker” Smith (5-3-1) of Pleasanton, Calif. has signed a new, multi-fight agreement with the women’s world championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotion and will drop from bantamweight (135 pounds) to flyweight (125 pounds) and challenge Jennifer Maia (7-2) of Curitiba, Brazil. at Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City on Saturday, July 13.

The winner of the Invicta FC 6 matchup between Smith and Maia will be awarded a title shot against newly crowned Invicta FC World Flyweight Champion Barb Honchak (8-2) of Bettendorf, Iowa.

“We are excited to bring Leslie under the Invicta Fighting Championships umbrella for the long-term and to watch her compete in a new weight class that is becoming super competitive in our promotion,” said Invicta FC President Shannon Knapp.  “Since we launched our live event series last year, Leslie has demonstrated incredible tenacity and athleticism by putting on some of the most memorable fights in our cage.  She is a true warrior as is her opponent Jennifer Maia, so we are looking forward to an explosive matchup between two of the sport’s stars on what will be Invicta FC’s biggest fight card to date.”

The 30-year-old Smith engaged in an all-out war with former Strikeforce champion Sarah Kaufman at Invicta FC 5 at Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City on April 5.  Following the conclusion of the three-round contest that many believe Smith won, however, Kaufman was awarded a controversial, split decision, prompting widespread boos from the displeased, capacity crowd.

Smith also won “Fight of the Night” honors at the inaugural Invicta FC event on April 28, 2012, after slugging it out relentlessly with fellow striker Kaitlin Young for the duration of their three-round bantamweight bout.  The fight was declared a majority draw, setting up a much-anticipated rematch at Invicta FC 3 on Oct. 6 that saw Smith take charge and finish Young with an onslaught of punches from mount position in the second round (2:19) of the matchup.

Maia, a 24-year-old submission specialist, notched her first victory in the Invicta FC cage with a stunning upset, unanimous decision win over superstar Zoila Frausto Gurgel on April 5.  Recognized as one of Brazil’s quickest rising stars, Maia made quick work of each of her first four professional career opponents, scoring a first round TKO (punches) in her pro debut on Suelen Pinheiro Ribeiro in 2009, and submitting each of her next three opponents inside the first round.

Joanne Calderwood talks win at Cage Warriors 53 and fighting again for Invicta

Kingdom MMA Interview Joanne Calderwood after her Cage Warriors 53 win

by Ben Heather @benheather

At Cage Warriors 53 Joanne Calderwood improved her MMA record to 6-0 with a devastating TKO victory against Sally Krumdiack and today Kingdom MMA again got the privilege to ask Joanne some questions, this time about her fight and her future.

Firstly Joanne congratulations to you on your win at cage warriors 53, did you feel any emotions when you made your way to the cage in your hometown on Saturday night?
Every time I make my way to the cage/ ring its usually always the same drill, I just listen to my song and try to stay calm. I actually hate the walk in but there is no emotions at that point or in the fight for me. I only feel stuff after the fight, there's no place in a fight for emotion.

What did you make of the crowd? It sounded to me like the whole arena was shaking when you made your entrance.
I knew there was going to be a lot of support there but tried not to concentrate on that. I always look forward to catching up with everyone after the fight when I don't need to focus and be in the zone. I was actually surprised talking to people that i didn't know after the show that they were there just to see me fight because they are following my career. Any support other than my family and gym family is a bonus so I was even happier Saturday night. I've heard the atmosphere was crazy for my fight but I'm not the type to notice it at the time.

How did you rate your performance?
On a scale of 1-10.......6 it's cool I got to show case my boxing in this one, that was new but I've still got a lot of show.

Did Krumdiack fight how you expected and how you had trained for in the cage?
No she didn't, but like I always say I expect everything when I go in there. You can think about the fight to go a hundred million different ways and it could still be different. My coaches expected Sally to rush forward and try hold or take me down against the fence sooner, the one time she did rush I caught her.

Just before the end of the fight Krumdiack made her first and only mistake by missing with a spinning back fist, you made her pay for this and got the stoppage.
Can you talk us through the end of the fight?
I backed Sally up to the fence and as she tried to spin for the Backfist I teeped her off balance, basic Muay Thai, Sally scrambled up and rushed forward punching, I adjusted my range and dropped her with a check uppercut, I knew Mark Goddard was a bit away so I followed her down and hit her until he stopped it in case Sally recovered.

At the time I thought there was a gap in the knock down and the next few shots but when I seen it back I was on her pretty quick which I'm happy about, killer instinct is never anything I've been lacking I like when that shows.

Do you pride yourself on the fact that it only took one mistake by your opponent for you to finish the fight?
I think at this level it only takes one mistake by either fighter,I think one mistake will be the difference between winning and losing, that's why there's no place in my fights for emotions and concentration is so important. I fight doing my best to not make mistakes if the other girl does I'll jump on it.

Have you watched the fight back, if so did you spot any areas for you to improve on?
Yeah I've watched it back, I was back in gym the Monday going over things and I found out on the Wednesday that there was a grappling competition on in the town I was going to for a wedding so I jumped in on that and won my division which was cool as I didn't get to grapple during the Cage Warriors fight.

I love the quote and I've took it on for the way I'm looking at my future....'Arriving at one goal is the starting point to another. ' goals obviously being fights ;) I'm always going to be looking to improve every area of my game.

Did you come away fit and healthy from the fight?
Yeah although after a few days off the diet now I don't know about healthy ;)

Your next fight has just been announced, what do you make of your opponent and how many fights away from a title fight possibly with Carla Esparza are you?
My next fight is at Invicta 6 against a great Brazilian fighter Claudia Gahdela who's 9-0, a BJJ blackbelt and from nova unioa, Jose Aldo's team so that's all I will be focusing on for now. Claudia was meant to fight Carla at Invicta 4 but got injured training, I guess the winner of this fight will be next in line for who ever has the belt after Invicta 6. What's for me won't go by me.

Do you think the Krumdiack fight could be the last time you get to fight in the UK for a while, if so are you happy you got to put on a great show in your home town as a parting gift to the UK scene?
I enjoy fighting abroad so I can stay in hotels and steal the wee soaps, towels and bath robes to sell them back in the scheme. ( my team mates Paul and carpet wanted to help with this interview and l promised I'd keep at least one of their answers in).

I'm going to be tied to Invicta which keeps me in the US but if a big opportunity came up I'm sure Invicta would let me fight in the UK, there is nothing in the foreseeable future so it could be a long time before I fight in Glasgow again. I suppose if it was to be my last home fight it couldn't have gone much better. KO of the night on a big international show.

Would you like to say thanks to anyone?
Thank you for the interview. Thanks to Cage Warriors for having me on and Invicta for giving me permission to stay active I can't wait to get back there though its starting to feel like home.

If anyone is looking to sponsor me for my next 6 fights in USA please get in touch with jamesdoolan23@hotmail.com your support would be much appreciated.

Thank you again for your time Joanne and we all at Kingdom MMA look forward to seeing you fight at Invicta 6.

Kingdom MMA Exclusive Interview with Joanne Calderwood ahead of Cage Warriors 53

Joanne Calderwood talks Cage Warriors 53, Invicta, her friendship with Stitch Duran plus much more

by Ben Heather @benheather

Kingdom MMA today had the pleasure of asking Joanne Calderwood (5-0 MMA) some questions ahead of her fight against Sally Krumdiack which is the co main event on this weekends Cage Warriors 53 card. The Cage Warriors 53 card will be held in Calderwood's home town of Glasgow, Scotland.

Ben: Hi Joanne, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer some questions for Kingdom MMA.

Ben: Your last two fights were with Invicta, which you won both and now make your Cage Warriors debut on Saturday. What are your thoughts of fighting for Invicta?  It seems to be the promotion on everyone's lips lately.
Joanne: Its pretty remarkable what Invicta's achieved in just more than a year, but from their first one to their last one they are always asking what could make it better and how can they grow.

To be honest I don't know how it can be any better, being part of it is so amazing everything is looked at in great perceive esp the matchmaking. I think Invicta is going to be around for a long time and I hope this is inspiring the next generation of female mma fighters.

Ben: Is there much difference between fighting for Invicta in the states and fighting back home in the UK?
Joanne: No not really apart from the travelling. When I travel I take my home comforts with me (my sleeping bag and a few other items) I love going away and meeting new people, but also like that the guys at the gym don't need to wait up for me to fight in early hours of the morning with time difference and they can come watch live. Same with my mum, brother and sister I'm hoping in future I can bring them out to the states to see me fight there but for me a fights a fight regardless of where it is.

Ben: Do you feel more pressure fighting at home or when travelling to the States to fight under Invicta?
Joanne: No I don't like taking pressure on, in every day life there are enough stress/ worry/ pressure and I think there is always ways around this to help, like trying to stay positive and taking good vibes and using them.

I'm a great believer in things happen for a reason :) I prepare in a way that means there very little pressure on me.

Ben: Are you contracted to Invicta/ Cage Warriors or do you take each fight as it comes on a single fight contract?
Joanne: I'm contracted to Invicta, but this is yet another reason why Invicta is so great they agreed to me fighting on Cage Warriors which is a great opportunity as its one of the top European shows. They know I want to stay active but I will be representing Invicta and I shall be back in the states for Invicta 6.

Ben: Is the fight with Bec Hyatt a fight which you would still like, as it was due to happen at Invicta 4 before she was moved up to the main event?
Joanne: I'm not seeing past Saturday right now. But I know my future fights are in the good hands of Janet the matchmaker at Invicta and my dangerous bastards fight management.

There's been a couple names mentioned to me for the next Invicta, none of which have been Bec's though.

Ben: We have noticed on twitter that you have built up a rapport with Stitch, He said you were an awesome fighter and he was highly complimentary of you. That has to mean a lot, coming from a guy who has wrapped the hands of the best fighters in the world and what's your opinion of Stitch?
Joanne: You know I wish he was my uncle, he's one of those family members that you'd look up to and never want to leave their company. When he wrapped my hands at Invicta 3 he told me about a hundred stories the time passed so quick ha it was awesome. He's a true gentlemen and to hear/read the words he spoke of me was cool. It will be cool seeing him at the next Invicta.

Ben: If the UFC called you tomorrow would you go up to 135lbs to fight in the UFC?
Joanne: No because I've made arrangements for this weekend lol. In all seriousness the only way i'll be going to the UFC is if its in the right circumstances ie not 20 lbs heavier than my weight. What's for you won't go by you. I'd definitely consider 125lbs though.

Ben: This weekend you will be fighting Sally krumdiack at cage warriors 53, what do you think of your opponent and despite her recent 2-4 record in her last 6 fights do you expect a tough test?
Joanne: Hell yea, this girl is certainly not coming for the Scottish weather she will be coming here dangerous and wanting the win just as much as me.....but I will be ready. She's been around a long time and fought some excellent girls, her styles different to any the other girls I've faced so far. I expect a good fight.

Ben: Being a feared striker do you think your opponent will look to take you down at the earliest opportunity?
Joanne: I think my opponent is confident in her stand up and also being well rounded and it being an MMA fight I will expect it to go to the ground like I always do. In my first five fights any time fights have hit the ground it's been me that's took it there.

Ben: It seemed like Cage Warriors struggled to find you an opponent for this fight, does that give you confidence as by the sounds of it not many people want to get into the cage with you.
Joanne: They did struggle and its been like that from day one, I don't take it as confidence I take it and work with it.

Ben: Your partner James Doolan is also fighting on the card, is this something that has happened before and will you find it strange to be on the same fight card with him?
Joanne: This is a great experience for myself and James. We have both worked even harder this fight camp, pushing each other and sharing thoughts that we probably never got the chance to do before....not to mention its so much easier cooking for the both of us on diets. This is the first and probably last time, its something we can always look back on.

Ben: You will be fighting in Glasgow for the third time in your career the previous two time you have stopped your opponent, will you be looking to do the same again and how do you think you have the best chance of doing this?
Joanne: I've gone over the fight so many ways, I love this about the fighting sport you just never know what's going to happen all I can do is have the best fight camp to date and then be ready for the stoppage/ sub or even decision by performing on Saturday. I am always looking to finish fights though so Saturday won't be any different.

Ben: How did you find the transition from kick boxing to MMA and how did it originally happen?
Joanne: I'm from a Muay Thai background and was training at the griphouse gym that is also home to the dinky ninjas so I just got into it cause I wanted to try a different discipline and loved it.

Ben: Have you finished with kick boxing or do you still intend on doing both?
Joanne: I do intend to have at least one Muay Thai fight a year, but to be honest I don't really know where Thai boxing stands in my views anymore, I set out to fight as many of the best girls as possible not as many 'world champions ' who aren't even the best fighters in their own country. To be honest the politics and at times unprofessionalism in Muay Thai sickened me a bit.

Ben: Finally for people who have not seen Joanne Calderwood fight before can you tell them what they can expect to see on Saturday night.
Joanne: Funky hair cut....the look of someone that should be in secondary school and would be an easy picking for a bully Haha....but inside there is a badmofo and she will be ready for war.

Ben: Would you like to say thanks to anyone?
Joanne: Thanks for the interview! Thanks to my sponsors sandee Thailand, devils own, stark, funky gums, physio effect, SAS nutrition and thanks to everyone at the Griphouse gym and higher level gym!

Thank you for your time and for answering all of the questions for Kingdom MMA.

Invicta FC 5 Results

Invicta 5 Results

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (April, 5, 2013) –In an unforgettable night of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) action, Michelle “The Karate Hottie” Waterson (11-3) of Albuquerque, N.M. submitted Jessica Penne (10-2) of Huntington Beach, Calif. with an armbar in the fourth round of their main event showdown to become the new Invicta Fighting Championships world atomweight (105 pounds) champion at Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City on Friday, April 5, live on InvictaFC.com.

In the co-main event of the star-studded, 13-bout women’s world championship doubleheader, Pat Miletch-protégé Barb Honchak (8-2) of Bettendorf, Iowa earned a unanimous decision over Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Vanessa Porto (15-6) of Sao Paulo, Brazil to become the first Invicta FC flyweight (125 pounds) champion in history.

In her first start since Dec. 2011, pound-for-pound sensation Cris Cyborg (11-1) of Curitiba, Brazil showed no signs of rust, pulverizing a courageous Fiona Muxlow (6-3) of Townsville, Queensland Australia in a featherweight (145 pounds) matchup.

Cyborg dropped Muxlow in the opening seconds of the contest with a right hand and smothered Muxlow, who made it to her feet but couldn’t fend off the relentless attacks of Cyborg.  A final barrage of punches prompted the referee to step in and stop the fight, giving Cyborg the TKO win in the first round and earning her a second meeting with fellow superstar Marloes Coenen, whom Cyborg stopped by way of third round (3:40) TKO (punches) on Jan. 30, 2010.

Leslie “The Peacemaker” Smith (5-3-1) of Pleasant Hill, Calif. and Sarah Kaufman (16-2) of Victoria BC, Canada engaged in an all-out slugfest for three straight rounds in a bantamweight (135 pounds) barnburner highlighted by Smith putting Kaufman on the canvas with a head kick.  Kaufman rallied in the third round with a double leg takedown and, after they stood up, a hard right hand before being declared the winner by split decision.

Jennifer Maia (7-2) of Curitiba pulled off a stunning upset, earning a unanimous decision over Zoila Frausto Gurgel (12-3) of Cincinnati, Ohio.  Maia neutralized Gurgel’s offense against the cage fence for the majority of the first two rounds and, in the third stanza, opened up with kicks and punches before the bout came to a close.

In the opening main card bout of the night, “Rowdy” Bec Hyatt (5-2) of Brisbane, Australia took the fight to previously undefeated Jasminka Cive (5-1) of Graz, Austria from the outset of their strawweight (115 pounds) matchup, mounting Cive and unloading a storm of punches to the head.  From mount, Hyatt secured Cive’s arm and transitioned to armbar, forcing Cive to tap from the hold.

Complete Invicta FC 5 Results:

Main Card:
Bec Hyatt def. Jasminka Cive via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 3:30
Julia Budd def. Mollie Estes via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 1:04
Lauren Taylor def. Kaitlin Young via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Jennifer Maia def. Zoila Frausto Gurgel via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Sarah Kaufman def. Leslie Smith via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Cris Cyborg def. Fiona Muxlow via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:46
Barb Honchak def. Vanessa Porto via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 48-47)
Michelle Waterson def. Jessica Penne via submission (armbar) – Round 4, 2:31

Preliminary Card:
Alex Chambers def. Jodie Esquibel via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 1:35
Rose Namajunas def. Kathina Catron via submission (flying armbar) –  Round 1, :12
Katja Kankaanpaa def. Juliana Carnerio Lima via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Miriam Nakamoto def. Jessamyn Duke via KO (knee) – Round 1, 2:20
Simona Soukupova def. Cassie Rodish via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 2, 3:20

Invicta FC 5: Penne vs Watson (Fight Card)

Invicta FC 5: Penne vs Watson
Date: April 5th, 22:00 GMT 
Ameristar Casino Hotel, Kansas City, Missouri, USA

Fight Card
Jessica Penne vs Michelle Waterson
Vanessa Porto vs Barb Honchak
Fiona Muxlow vs Cris Cyborg
Sarah Kaufman vs Leslie Smith
Zoila Frausto Gurgel vs  Jennifer Maia
Kaltlin Young vs Lauren Taylor
Julia Budd vs TBA
Bec Hyatt vs Jasminka Cive
Simona Soukupova vs Cassie Rodish
Jessamyn Duke vs Miriam Nakamoto
Katja Kankaanpaa vs Juliana Carneiro Lima 
Veronica Rothenhausier vs Mollie Estes
Alex Chambers vs Jodie Esquibel
Rose Namajunas vs Kathina Catron