11 Jan Invicta FC 27: Kaufman vs Kianzad – Preview

Invicta FC 27 opens the year with their first card on January 13th, 2018.

Sarah Kaufman (18-4-1) makes a return to the promotion in the main event since her win over Leslie Smith in 2013. Kaufman looks to make a statement in efforts to get back on the UFC roster.

She said at the UFC 219 press conference: “I know that I am one of the best if not the best 135’r in the world, especially on my best day and so I know that I belong in the UFC. I’m very happy to have the opportunity with Invicta, main event, UFC Fight Pass, it’s an opportunity to prove again why I should be here with the organization that has the highest of the high in terms of talent.”

But she’ll have to get through former Cage Warriors champion Pannie Kianzad (8-4) who is looking to pick up a win after back to back losses. A national shootfighting champion, Kianzad was set to face then-champ Tonya Evinger for the title in 2015 before the bout turned into a catchweight. A win over veteran Kaufman could put her back in title talk.

  The  Invicta FC 27 card includes:

• Sarah Kaufman vs. Pannie Kianzad
• Mariana Morais vs. Vanessa Porto
• Sharon Jacobson vs. Ashley Nichols
• Stephanie Alba vs. Ashley Cummins
• Cheri Muraski vs. Brogan Walker
• Akeela Al-Hameed vs. Felicia Spencer
• Tiffany Masters vs. Mallory Martin
• Loma Lookboonmee vs. Melissa Wang
• Helen Peralta vs. Jade Ripley

Fun fight card facts:

Vanessa Porto’s previous opponents include Cris Cyborg, Roxanne Modafferi and Germaine de Randamie. She faced Barb Honcak for the inaugural Invicta flyweight championship.

Mariana Morais fought eight times in the year of 2014.

Sharon Jacobson is a two time National Champion wrestler. Her opponent Ashley Nichols is a Muay Thai Federation title holder.

Tiffany Masters’ nickname is ‘The Rainbow Renegade’ and a flag is often worn proudly at her photoshoots and/or during her walk in.

In 2015, Invicta FC picked Felicia Spencer up in mind for their new 155lb lightweight division.

Loma Lookboonmee has more than 300 fights in Muay Thai, Wushu, and boxing.

Kayla Baity