Evinger in for Anderson vs. Kolesnyk in Invicta non-title fight
Invicta FC president Shannon Knapp: “We’re not making it easy for Helena over here.”
The UFC relies heavily on Invicta FC for female talent. In 2013 when the world’s dominant MMA promotion decided to start a women’s strawweight division, they grabbed the top 11 fighters in Invicta’s 125 division. The talent was amazing, and included Jojo Calderwood, Carla Esparza, Claudia Gadelha, Felice Herrig, Juliana Lima, Rose Namajunas, Bec Rawlings, Tecia Torres, and Paige VanZant.
When the UFC had long contracted with Invicta FC featherweight champion Cris Cyborg, and eventually made it official. Invicta then developed a new mediagenic champion, Australia’s Megan Anderson. When UFC featherweight champion Germaine de Randamie refused to fight Cyborg, the UFC brought Anderson over for the UFC 214 co-main event.
Anderson had been scheduled to defend her title vs. undefeated Helena Kolesnyk at July 15 at Scottish Rite Temple in Kansas City, Missouri. With Anderson out, Invicta bantamweight champion Tonya Evinger is stepping up in a non-title fight.
We’re not making it easy for Helena over here, joked Invicta FC president Shannon Knapp. She’s gone from one champion to another now with Tonya. I’m thankful that our athletes – and especially Tonya Evinger – are always ready and willing to accept a challenge. I have the utmost respect for both these main event fighters, and I’m expecting a great fight on July 15.
Invicta FC 24, streaming live on UFC Fight Pass.
Tonya Evinger vs. Helena Kolesnyk
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Ashley Cummins vs. Jinh Yu Frey
Barbara Acioly vs. Karina Rodriguez
Kelly D’Angelo vs. Sunna Rannveig Davidsdott
Mallory Martin vs. Tiffany Masters
Amy Coleman vs. Felicia Spencer
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