Elisandra Ferreira went through a gruelling five rounds against Andressa Romero to become the new Invicta FC Atomweight Champion on Friday night.
Ferreira out-worked Romero in a competitive 25-minute clash, walking away with a unanimous decision win. Her victory headlined Invicta FC 57 from Kansas City, Kansas, USA.
A back-and-forth brawl both on the feet and on the ground went the way of Ferreira due to successful performances in rounds one, three and four.
Ferreira showed her damaging boxing skills throughout the night, making an impact early with a left hook knockdown in the opening round. She was willing to take a shot to give one, often trading punches and connecting with the more impactful blows. She would have brief moments of success on the ground, however it was undoubtedly her striking that led to the decision win.
While Romero was able to land flush with her own punches at the stand-up range, some of her more successful moments came on the ground. She notably was able to take control on the ground in a few rounds of the fight, often reversing positions that Ferreira initiated. Romero notably also kept Romero against the cage in clinch positions at times, allowing her to land punches and elbows.
“She was very strong,” Ferreira said about Romero through an interpreter during her post-fight interview. “I’ll be honest with you, I got tired a little bit. But I fought with my heart.”
Ferreira looked toward the possibility of becoming a two-division champ following her win, mentioning her hope of competing at strawweight.
The Brazilian prospect is now the 10th atomweight champion in Invicta FC history. The 105-pound division, which is rarely showcased in MMA apart from RIZIN and the Japanese regional scene, has been an important part of Invicta FC since the promotion’s beginning. Former champs include UFC talents Michelle Waterson-Gomez, Jessica Penne, and Jinh Yu Frey.
The atomweight title was vacant heading into this weekend, as former champ Amanda vacated her champ status last year to join the UFC roster.
Ferreira had a three-fight winning streak in the promotion heading into this weekend, including a victory over Katie Saull at their return event in June.
Romero similarly lined herself up for a title opportunity following a win three months ago, spoiling the promotional debut of Saori Oshima in a decision result. Earlier this year she challenged for a title in CFFC, losing a fight to now-UFC talent Fatima Kline.
Here are the quick results from Friday’s show in Kansas:
Bout 8: Elisandra Ferreira def. Andressa Romero via Decision, Unanimous (Vacant Invicta FC Atomweight Championship)
Bout 7: Kristina Williams def. Nayara Maia via TKO, Injury (RD 1, 0:31)
Bout 6: DeAnna Bennett def. Liz Tracy via Decision, Unanimous
Bout 5: Milana Dudieva def. Sandra Lavado via Decision, Unanimous
Bout 4: Jamie Edenden def. Abby Montes via Decision, Unanimous
Bout 3: Maria Djukic def. Maria Jose Favela via TKO, Strikes (RD 1, 0:57)
Bout 2: Fernanda Orellana def. Meaghan Penning via Decision, Unanimous
Bout 1: Quinn Williams def. Ana Vitoria via Decision, Unanimous
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