Invicta Fighting Championship has been a foundation for women’s mixed martial arts since its launch in 2012. Name a high-profile women’s fighter or rising contender and they’ve likely made a stop through Invicta’s proving grounds.
Invicta launched after UFC’s parent company Zuffa acquired rival promotion Strikeforce. At its height, Strikeforce had an arguably stronger roster than UFC in key divisions. Notable Strikeforce champions include Ronda Rousey, Nick Diaz, Cris Cyborg, Alistair Overeem, Miesha Tate and Dan Henderson.
One thing Strikeforce had that UFC didn’t at the time were women’s divisions. UFC CEO Dana White had previously claimed women would never fight in his promotion. That meant opportunities for female fighters were scarce following the acquisition.
“I was with Strikeforce when Zuffa bought Strikeforce,” Invicta president Shannon Knapp told CBS Sports ahead of Friday’s card airing at 9 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network. “That’s how the decision to build Invicta came about: women’s lack of opportunity.”
White changed his stance one year after acquiring Strikeforce. Rousey defeated Liz Carmouche on Feb. 23, 2013, in the main event of UFC 157, the first women’s fight in UFC…
