Invicta FC Phoenix Series returns with bantamweight title fight, tournament

Invicta FC’s Phoenix Series returns for its third installment on Friday, March 6, the company announced Wednesday.

The card at Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kan., which will stream live on UFC Fight Pass, has a little something for everyone, with a headlining bout for the vacant Invicta FC bantamweight title in addition to a one-night, eight-woman elimination tournament.

The main event features 24-year-old phenom Lisa Verzosa (5-0 MMA) against former “Ultimate Fighter” competitor Julija Stoliarenko(8-3-1).

Verzosa, who has earned four of her five career wins in Invicta, last defeated Kerri Kenneson at Invicta FC 38. Stoliarenko is on a four-fight win streak entering her Invicta debut. There’s no doubt what her favorite move is, as all eight of her career wins have been via first-round armbar.

The bantamweight belt was last held by Sarah Kaufman, who now competes for PFL.

The eight-women tournament, with matchups to be determined by blind draw prior to the show, will feature one five-minute round during the quarterfinals and semifinals, then the final will be held over three, five-minute rounds.

The full list of competitors: Kerri Kenneson (3-2 MMA), Brittney Victoria (3-1 MMA), Erin Harpe (2-0 MMA), Taneisha Tennant (2-0 MMA), Claire Guthrie (1-0 MMA), Hope Chase (2-1 MMA), Auttumn  Norton (1-1 MMA), and Taylor Guardado (0-0 MMA).

Additionally, there are a pair of tournament alternate bouts in Mitzi Merry (2-1 MMA) vs. Morgan Hickam (1-2 MMA) and Serena DeJesus (1-1 MMA) vs. Julia Ottolino (1-0 MMA).