QUEEN MMA w/ Tommy V interviews Invicta Fighting Championships President and CEO, SHANNON KNAPP. The discussion focuses on women’s MMA and some of the biggest stars of the sport. The Invicta Boss Lady shares some of her insights and experiences working with the top female warriors in the fight game. Shannon touches on amateur and pro issues as well as the growth of women’s MMA over the years. They talk about Amanda Nunes, Cris Cyborg, Erin Blanchfield, and others. They highlight the upcoming Invicta FC 54 Boston debut scheduled for October 27th. Shannon Knapp announces if she plans on bringing more Invicta FC action to the east coast.
VALESCA MACHADO vs KALINDRA FARIA INVICTA FC 54 – PRO STRAWWEIGHT BOUT CO – MAIN EVENT
INVICTA FC 54 OCTOBER 27, 2023 CITIZENS HOUSE OF BLUES BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
QUEEN MMA Media / By: T. Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)
(Boston) October 27, 2023 VALESCA MACHADO (12 – 4 – 1nc) and KALINDRA FARIA (19 – 9 – 1) are set for co-main event action at Invicta Fighting Championships 54. These two Brazilian warriors are ready to light up the crowd with major combat competition.
VALESCA MACHADO vs KALINDRA FARIA : TWO BRAZILIAN STARS READY TO STEAL THE SHOW
VALESCA “Tina Black” MACHADO brings serious talent. She turned professional in 2016 competing in her home country of Brazil until 2022. In October of 2021 she made an appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series 44 but came up short by way of a close split decision loss to Piera Rodriguez. Valesca made her Invicta FC debut in September of 2022 at IFC 49. She is a former IFC strawweight champion having won the vacant IFC strawweight title against Karolina Wojcik via unanimous decision back in November of 2022 at IFC 50. Machado lost her title in her first defense via unanimous decision against Danni McCormack in March of this year at IFC 52. Machado has gained wins against some tough IFC fighters. Such opponents include Ediana Silva and Liz Tracy.
VALESCA “Tiny Black” MACHADO
Currently Machado is considered the third ranked women’s pound for pound MMA fighter in the United States. The Brazilian had been scheduled to face Isis Verbeek at IFC 54 in Boston however Verbeek stepped down and was replaced by Kalindra Faria. Machado Brings an impressive (12 – 4 – 1nc) record into the fight. She has obtained five of her twelve victories via finish, four by way of KO/TKO and one by way of submission. Machado has good movement inside the cage. She likes to circle from the outside and can put her punches together. She likes to stick and move. Machado will not hesitate to level change and shoot in for a takedown. A victory over Faria would give her a big win and push Machado closer to another shot at capturing the IFC strawweight title.
KALINDRA FARIA brings a mountain of experience into the cage. The thirty-seven year old Brazilian hosts a pro record of (19 – 9 – 1) and has faced numerous big name opponents throughout her fourteen year career, seven of them being ether former or current UFC fighters. Such names include Claudia Gadelha, Karolina Kowalkiewicz, Jennifer Maia, Mara Borella and many others. Faria is a wise veteran who still has the skills to gain the win. Faria made her UFC debut in 2017 and went on to compete three times in the UFC. She has a wide range of offensive weapons including a background in boxing and kickboxing. Faria is scrappy and aggressive. She is comfortable on the ground and knows how to grind hard and heavy from top position on the mat.
KALINDRA FARIA
Kalindra is coming off a loss back in June of 2022 but is focused on taking full advantage of the Valesca Machado opportunity. It will be interesting to see if Faria being nine years the elder will really make any difference.
FARIA vs MACHADO looks to be a high octane co-main event. Two very talented Brazilian athletes ready to battle it out in Boston.
INVICTA FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS 54
MARIA DJUKIC
VS
FERNANDA ARAUJO
Bantamweights
JULIA DORNY
VS
RILEY MARTINEZ
Featherweight
HILARIE ROSE
VS
ANDREA AMARO
Strawweight
KRISTINA WILLIAMS
VS
DEE BEGLEY
Flyweight
VALESCA MACHADO
VS
KALINDRA FARIA
(co-main event) Strawweight
DANNI McCORMACK
VS
KAROLINA WOJCIK
(main-event) IFC Strawweight Title
Fight Card is subject to change
WWW.InvictaFC.com Tickets available via Ticketmaster The night of competition is scheduled to air live on Invicta’s official youtube channel, facebook, AXS TV in the United States, Fight Network in Canada, Fox Sports in Mexico, Globo’s Combate in Brazil, DirecTV across Latin America, Viaplay, Match TV in Europe, and Star Times across Africa.
Photo Credit – Invicta FC
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QUEEN MMA Media / By: Tommy Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)
KRISTINA WILLIAMS vs DEE BEGLEY IFC 54 – PRO FLYWEIGHT BOUT
INVICTA FC 54 OCTOBER 27, 2023 CITIZENS HOUSE OF BLUES BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
QUEEN MMA Media – By: T. Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)
(Boston) October 27, 2023 KRISTINA “Warhorse” WILLIAMS (6-4) will go head to head against DEE BEGLEY (4-2) in pro flyweight action. Invicta FC 54 is bringing the excitement of All Women’s Pro MMA to the east coast and WILLIAMS vs BEGLEY is just one of many high impact bouts scheduled on the card.
WILLIAMS READY TO RETURN TO BATTLE AT IFC 54
KRISTINA “Warhorse” WILLIAMS fights out of Oklahoma and is considered the number one ranked pound for pound women’s fighter in Oklahoma and the 15th ranked MMA pound for pound women’s fighter in the United States. She began her amateur career in March of 2017 and in a little over four months time rapidly gathered up an impressive (3-0) record. Williams leaped into the WMMA spotlight in her October 2018 pro debut with a brutal second round stoppage victory over Heather Hardy at Bellator 185. Williams has become a seasoned veteran of the cage. She has spent nearly her whole professional career fighting under the promotional lights of Bellator and Invicta FC. Williams first made a name for herself in Bellator before moving to Invicta FC. She brings a (6-4) pro record and a load of experience.
The “Warhorse” likes to charge into battle with her long reach. Her background includes amateur kickboxing and boxing. She is an aggressive striker with a black belt in Tae kwon do. Kristina is extremely capable of delivering devastating head kicks with authority. She is a dangerous opponent for most pro flyweights in the fight business. Williams is coming off a tough unanimous decision loss against Ketlen Souza for the vacant IFC flyweight title. On October 27th fight fans can expect Williams to be looking to get back in the saddle. She has a sizable advantage in height and reach over Begley. And Williams has the offense to make full use of such an edge. A big win over Dee Begley would redeem her status among the IFC 125 pounders.
BEGLEY LOOKING TO MAKE AN IMPACT IN IFC DEBUT
DEE BEGLEY hails from Dublin and carries a (4-2) record as a professional inside the octagon. She will be making her Invicta FC debut on October 27th at IFC 54 where she will clash in pro flyweight action against a dangerous Kristina Williams. Begley turned amateur in 2017 and built a (7-3) record before moving to pro in 2019. As an amateur she captured the Machine MMA amateur flyweight title and gained valuable experience fighting under IMMAF-WMMAA. She has a purple belt in BJJ and has a successful background in kickboxing. Begley will be giving up a half of foot in height and an eight inch reach advantage to Williams. Williams makes for an extremely difficult fight and looks to be Begley’s toughest challenge as a pro.
Dee is coming off a dominating first round guillotine submission win over Hannah Guy back in April of this year. She likes to push forward inside the cage and can throw an impressive semi-looping overhand right. Sometimes a taller target works well for a shorter slugger. BEGLEY is tough, strong, and gritty. She likes to grind on an opponent and unload short elbows and dig hard knees to the body inside. On October 27th she will need to bring her (A) game, a great strategy, and maybe just a little extra if she hopes to walk away with the ‘W’. She will need to bring a full gas tank. If she can get inside and land heavy shots things could go in her favor. Begley will need to keep the momentum and maintain close pressure. She needs to turn it into a dog fight. A victory over Williams would be mammoth ‘W’ for Begley. It would establish her firmly among the IFC flyweights. Do not count Begley out she is a game opponent who just may have what it takes to shock the Boston crowd.
INVICTA FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS 54
MARIA DJUKIC
VS
FERNANDA ARAUJO
Bantamweights
JULIA DORNY
VS
RILEY MARTINEZ
Featherweight
HILARIE ROSE
VS
ANDREA AMARO
Strawweight
KRISTINA WILLIAMS
VS
DEE BEGLEY
Flyweight
VALESCA MACHADO
VS
KALINDRA FARIA
(co-main event) Strawweight
DANNI McCORMACK
VS
KAROLINA WOJCIK
(main-event) IFC Strawweight Title
Fight Card is subject to change
WWW.InvictaFC.com Tickets available via Ticketmaster The night of competition is scheduled to air live on Invicta’s official youtube channel, facebook, AXS TV in the United States, Fight Network in Canada, Fox Sports in Mexico, Globo’s Combate in Brazil, DirecTV across Latin America, Viaplay, Match TV in Europe, and Star Times across Africa.
Photo Credit: Invicta FC
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QUEEN MMA Media / By: Tommy Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)
HILARIE ROSE vs ANDREA AMARO IFC 54 – PRO STRAWWEIGHT BOUT
INVICTA FC 54 OCTOBER 27, 2023 CITIZENS HOUSE OF BLUES BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
QUEEN MMA Media / By: T. Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)
(Boston) October 27, 2023 HILARIE ROSE (6-6) will square off against ANDREA AMARO (3-2) in pro strawweight action. INVICTA FC 54 is presenting some high level matchups on the card and Rose versus Amaro could end up being the fight of the night. These two strawweights can bring the fire.
HILARIE ROSE PRIMED FOR INVICTA FC DEBUT
HILARIE ROSE fights out of Massachusetts and is looking to turn around a tough two fight losing streak at IFC 54. Rose made her amateur debut back in 2014. She achieved a (5-3) record as an amateur and captured the New England Fights amateur strawweight title via round one KO/TKO finish in her final amateur bout. Fight fans across New England are aware of Rose and know what she can bring to a fight. Hilarie turned pro in February of 2018 and has developed into a well rounded fighter with a (6-6) pro record. She is a seasoned fighter with considerable experience.
In 2020 her talent produced an appearance on the Contender Series. Rose is a strong striker and has good presence inside the cage. She has demonstrated she knows how to end a fight having gained five of her six pro wins via finish. Hilarie is currently ranked 13th pound for pound among the northeast women. She has faced some notable opponents in her pro career. Such names include; Cheyanne Vlismas, Elisa Reed, and Glory Watson. October 27th will be Rose’s first time entering the Invicta FC cage. IFC 54 will be an opportunity to fight in front of her home crowd on one of the most prestigious platforms in women’s MMA. It will be an opportunity to regain momentum in her pro career and put a stop to a two fight losing skid. Despite Rose having a sizable experience advantage this appears to be a closely matched bout. Hilarie Rose has the tool kit to win but it is fair to conclude Andrea Amaro could very well be Rose’s toughest test to date.
ANDREA AMARO PREPARED TO CONTINUE WIN STREAK
ANDREA “Piggy” AMARO hails out of Texas and brings a (3-2) pro record into the fight. She has put together a solid two fight win streak and on October 27th in Boston she will be trying to add number three. Amaro started her amateur career back in March of 2016. She went on to mold an impressive (5-1) record as an amateur. In September of 2018 Andrea launched her professional career with a close win over Valerie Soto. Amaro is coming off a split decision victory over Claudia Diaz back in August of 2022. Andrea has quick hands, crisp boxing, and likes to push forward. She has an excellent jab and can throw a blistering right hand. The Texas warrior likes to mix up her attack with kicks and punches. She is comfortable on the ground and knows how to take control of a fight. She has no problem standing in the pocket and trading bombs.
This hardworking athlete has improved with every bout. At Invicta FC 54 Amaro will be facing a sizable challenge in the form of an experienced hometown favorite, Hilarie Rose. There is never a dull moment in an Andrea Amaro fight.
Both ROSE and AMARO will be making their Invicta FC debuts at IFC 54. And as usual the ladies always deliver the best fights. Fights fans brace yourselves for fireworks.
INVICTA FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS 54
MARIA DJUKIC
VS
FERNANDA ARAUJO
Bantamweights
JULIA DORNY
VS
RILEY MARTINEZ
Featherweight
HILARIE ROSE
VS
ANDREA AMARO
Strawweight
KRISTINA WILLIAMS
VS
DEE BEGLEY
Flyweight
VALESCA MACHADO
VS
KALINDRA FARIA
(co-main event) Strawweight
DANNI McCORMACK
VS
KAROLINA WOJCIK
(main-event) IFC Strawweight Title
Fight Card is subject to change
WWW.InvictaFC.com Tickets available via Ticketmaster The night of competition is scheduled to air live on Invicta’s official youtube channel, facebook, AXS TV in the United States, Fight Network in Canada, Fox Sports in Mexico, Globo’s Combate in Brazil, DirecTV across Latin America, Viaplay, Match TV in Europe, and Star Times across Africa.
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QUEEN MMA Media / By: Tommy Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)
JULIA DORNY AND RILEY MARTINEZ READY TO RUMBLE PRO FEATHERWEIGHT BOUT
INVICTA FC 54 OCTOBER 27, 2023 CITIZENS HOUSE OF BLUES BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
QUEEN MMA Media / By: T. Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)
(BOSTON) All women’s professional MMA promotion scheduled to showcase big action at the House of Blues in Boston, Massachusetts. On October 27th Pro MMA Promotion INVICTA FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS will serve up top level mixed martial arts in it’s Bay State east coast debut. The IFC 54 fight card offers up some of the most talented female MMA athletes in the fight game.
JULIA “The German Tank” DORNY ready to take aim at IFC 54
JULIA “The German Tank” DORNY hails from Berlin, Germany and fights out of Coconut Creek, Florida. She carries a (2-1) pro record into the cage. She hosts a judo style, is ranked 9th pound for pound among women in Germany, and can pack a punch. Dorny began her amateur MMA career in July of 2015. She constructed a strong (10-5) record as an amateur as well as capturing the 2018 IMMAF-WMMAA European Championships and the 2018 UMMAF-WMMAA Unified World Championships. During her amateur years Julia faced notable opponents such as Joanne Doyle and Leah McCourt. Dorny made her pro MMA debut in June of 2019 with a big first round KO/TKO win. She has demonstrated power with both of her pro victories coming by way of KO/TKO finish.
RILEY “Rad” MARTINEZ looking for win number three at IFC 54
RILEY “Rad” MARTINEZ fights out of Idaho and brings an undefeated (2-0) professional record into the contest. She is ranked the number one pound for pound women’s MMA athlete in her home state Idaho. Martinez began her amateur MMA career in 2018. The Idaho warrior went on to produce a strong (5-2) record as an amateur with four of her five wins ending by way of KO/TKO or ground and pound finish. Martinez’s amateur highlights include winning the Fusion Fight League featherweight title and finishing three of her wins in two rounds or less. Riley turned pro in October of 2021 delivering a first round submission debut win. She has acquired both of her pro ‘W’s in the first round. Martinez is riding the momentum of a two fight win streak and is ready to make a major statement under the bright lights of Invicta FC. On October 27th in Boston, Massachusetts she is set to make her Invicta FC debut against Julia Dorny.
DORNY versus MARTINEZ looks to be an entertaining featherweight matchup. With fifteen amateur bouts behind her and three pro “The German Tank” Dorny seems to have a considerable edge in competitive cage experience. This fight could easily explode into a hard fought back and forth struggle determined by the warrior with the most stamina and willpower to win. Both of these featherweights are looking for an opportunity to make their move as a professional and Invicta FC 54 just may be that place.
INVICTA FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS 54
MARIA DJUKIC
VS
FERNANDA ARAUJO
Bantamweights
JULIA DORNY
VS
RILEY MARTINEZ
Featherweight
HILARIE ROSE
VS
ANDREA AMARO
Strawweight
KRISTINA WILLIAMS
VS
DEE BEGLEY
Flyweight
VALESCA MACHADO
VS
KALINDRA FARIA
(co-main event) Strawweight
DANNI McCORMACK
VS
KAROLINA WOJCIK
(main-event) IFC Strawweight Title
Fight Card is subject to change
WWW.InvictaFC.com Tickets available via Ticketmaster The night of competition is scheduled to air live on Invicta’s official youtube channel, facebook, AXS TV in the United States, Fight Network in Canada, Fox Sports in Mexico, Globo’s Combate in Brazil, DirecTV across Latin America, Viaplay, Match TV in Europe, and Star Times across Africa.
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QUEEN MMA Media / By: Tommy Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)
FERNANDA ARAUJO versus MARIA DJUKIC IFC 54 – PRO BANTAMWEIGHT BOUT
INVICTA FC 54 OCTOBER 27, 2023 CITIZENS HOUSE OF BLUES BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
QUEEN MMA Media / By: T. Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)
(QUEEN MMA Media) INVICTA FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS brings hard hitting professional women’s MMA action to Boston, October 27th. This will be the promotion’s Boston debut and fight fans can anticipate a pro MMA card filled with electrifying competition. The opening bout of the night pits two women warriors who are not afraid to slug it out.
FERNANDA ARAUJO READY TO MAKE IFC DEBUT IN FRONT OF HOME FANS
FERNANDA “Ferociuous” ARAUJO fights out of Massachusetts and is set to make her Invicta FC debut October 27th in front of her home crowd. Araujo began her amateur MMA career back in January of 2012. As an amateur she produced a (6-4-2) record. She finished her amateur career on a high note capturing the vacant WCFL amateur featherweight title via armbar submission against Katherine Grasshopper in May of 2017. As a professional Araujo has generated a (2-3) record. Araujo is an accomplished black belt in Judo as well as a brown belt in BJJ. She is coming off a disappointing 2nd round loss by way of rear naked choke submission against Brigid Chase in June of this year. Despite coming off a loss she is ranked 13th pound for pound among women in New England.
With two pro boxing bouts to her credit Araujo brings some boxing experience into the MMA cage. Her last MMA victory came in November of 2022. Fernanda’s style seems to favor the standup battle, having the ability to unload heavy hands. The Massachusetts bantamweight is hungry for a ‘W’ and what better a place to gain a win then under the lights in front of the home fans.
MARIA “Sweet Maria” DJUKIC SET FOR BATTLE AT IFC 54
MARIA “Sweet Maria” DJUKIC hails from British Columbia, Canada. She is considered pound for pound the 9th ranked women’s MMA fighter in Canada. Djukic turned professional back in June of 2021 and has built a (2-1) record inside the cage. After producing a (2-0) start in her pro career she is coming off a hard loss versus Auttumn Norton over one year ago in July of 2022 at Invicta FC 48. In her second time inside the Invicta FC cage Djukic will be focused on bouncing back against Araujo. Maria has a tae kwon do background and is not shy when it comes to standup exchanges. Djukic brings a strong frame, decent footwork, and can unleash sharp, crisp punching. She has the ability to put nice combinations together. It will be interesting to see if Maria will be able to use her slight edge in height to her advantage. A victory over Araujo would give Djukic much needed confidence coming off the Norton loss and send a stout message to Invicta bantamweights she is back on track.
This looks to be a fairly even pro bantamweight matchup between two fighters looking to get back on the winning path. When two hungry competitors meet inside the cage it almost always delivers the heat. Fight fans can expect to see a scrappy war between a pair of tough bantamweights. This bout has the ingredients to erupt into a furious collision of standup battles.
WWW.invictafc.com Tickets available via Ticketmaster The night of competition is scheduled to air live on Invicta’s official youtube channel, facebook, AXS TV in the United States, Fight Network in Canada, Fox Sports in Mexico, Globo’s Combate in Brazil, DirecTV across Latin America, Viaplay, Match TV in Europe, and Star Times across Africa.
QUEEN MMA Media / By: Tommy Vickers (Combat Sports Journalist)
CAGE WARS 62 – MAIN EVENT STRAWWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE BOUT WOMEN WARRIORS READY TO HIGHLIGHT CAGE WARS 62
QUEEN MMA Media ALAINA “The Queen” DUTILL is hunting for her first amateur MMA title and ready to rise to the challenge. Alaina Dutill brings a stout (3-2) amateur record into her Cage Wars debut under the Rivers Casino & Resort bright lights. She fights out of Pennsylvania and trains under the guidance of coach David Harr and CFS Academy. Dutill is an intelligent and effective striker who continues to evolve in a positive direction with every bout. She has smooth footwork for an amateur and is always ready to unload a blast of offense. “The Queen’s” aggressive style and bursting strikes can bring a fight crowd to full attention. CFS Academy works in all styles and has allowed Dutill to continue rounding and polishing her skills. When asked if she was comfortable on the ground she replied, “Absolutely, I enjoy being on the ground and maintaining pressure to make my opponent uncomfortable. I enjoy ground and pound experiences when I get the opportunity.”
“Ever since I was a little kid I loved to fight and loved watching UFC, and my parents knew I was trouble always trying to fist fight the boys around the neighborhood, so they put me in karate.” – Alaina Dutill
Alaina has always trained in some type of martial arts since the age of seven. Currently she trains in BJJ, muay thai, kickboxing, and boxing.
“My whole life revolves around training and being in the gym 5-6 day a week.” – Alaina Dutill
Dutill has been training in kickboxing and Muay Thai for five years and just recently won gold in Nationals for kickboxing and is hoping to be off to Worlds in 2024. When asked what can the fight fans at Rivers Casino expect to see from “The Queen”, Dutill replied “They can expect to see a show from me. I was always told I am a scrappy fighter, who is exciting to watch. My power, speed, and aggression are what make me the all around fighter I am today. I would love to end this bout with a TKO/KO.”
TATIANA CIRILO won the vacant Cage Wars strawweight championship title back in July of this year with a unanimous decision victory over a tough Erica Valentine. The champion fights out of New York and brings a (4-2) amateur record into the title contest. On November 3rd she will attempt to defend her Cage Wars belt against what could very well be her biggest test inside the octagon, Alaina “The Queen” Dutill.
Northeast fight fans get ready for war as Alaina “The Queen” Dutill sets her sights on the Cage Wars strawweight champion, Tatiana Cirilo. Cirilo versus Dutill looks to be an explosively exciting matchup that screams ‘fight of the night’ possibilities.
CAGE WARS 62 / Rivers Casino & Resort / Schenectady, New York Ticket Info – CageWarsMMA.com
By: Tommy Vickers – Combat Sports Journalist – QUEEN MMA Media
INVICTA FC 54 – BOSTON – STRAWWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT
INVICTA FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS SET TO DELIVER ALL-WOMEN’S MMA ACTION TO BOSTON
DANNI “Mac” McCORMACK PUTS HER INVICTA FC TITLE ON THE LINE AGAINST KAROLINA “Polish Assassin” WOJCIK
QUEEN MMA Media
INVICTA FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS is an all women’s professional mixed martial arts promotion launched in April of 2012 by industry veteran Shannon Knapp. For over a decade Invicta FC has presented what many fight fans already knew, ‘Girl fights are the best fights’.
On October 27th Invicta FC 54 will light up Boston’s House of Blues with major league combat sport fireworks.
DANNI “Mac” McCORMACK captured the INVICTA FC Strawweight Championship back in March of this year with an exciting unanimous decision victory over Valesca Machado at Invicta FC 52.
McCORMACK is a southpaw who fights out of Dublin, Ireland. She made her professional MMA debut in September of 2019 under the Bellator promotional banner in her hometown of Dublin where the Irish mixed martial artist produced a unanimous decision win against Camila Rivarola.
The thirty-three year old Champion brings a strong (7-2) pro record into the cage alongside the Invicta FC strawweight championship belt. McCormack always comes out of the gate hard at the start of every round. She likes to push forward and likes to unleash big flurries during standup exchanges. She knows how to put her punches together inside the cage but will not hesitate to take the battle to the ground. She has proven herself to be tenacious, durable, and aggressive. October 27th IFC’s first Irish champion will defend her newly claimed title via the main event against formidable contender Karolina Wojcik.
KAROLINA “Polish Assassin” WOJCIK fights out of Krakow, Poland and carries an impressive (11-3) professional record into the cage. The twenty-eight year old Wojcik is considered to be the #1 pound-for-pound female MMA fighter in her homeland of Poland as well as ranked the #1 pound-for-pound female in Eastern Europe and #2 pound-for-pound female in the United States. The ‘Polish Assassin’ is coming off a split decision co-main event win at Invicta FC 52 versus a (12-3) Ediana Silva. Wojcik turned pro in April of 2018 after building a solid (8-1) amateur career. She has demonstrated some power with two of her eleven pro wins coming via KO/TKO. Wojcik began boxing at the young age of eleven years old before shifting over to MMA. The Krakow native can be gritty when she needs to be. She is scrappy and can scramble on the ground. She generally fights orthodox style and tends to keep her hands on the low side during standup. Karolina has decent foot movement and knows how to effectively utilize the left jab.
These two 115 pounders are very aware of one another having first collided inside the cage as amateurs back in 2017 under the promotional lights of UK Fighting Championships 3. It was a fight that ended with Wojcik mauling out a unanimous decision win. Another interesting note worth making is the fact McCormack is coming off winning the Invicta FC strawweight title against Valesca Machado where as Wojcik faced Machado back in 2022 at IFC 50 and came up short via unanimous decision. This adds another layer of interest to this strawweight title matchup.
DANNI “Mac” McCORMACK versus KAROLINA “Polish Assassin” WOJCIK looks to be an explosive title fight between two evenly matched strawweights. Both of these warriors are hungry, fearless, and ready to bring the heat to Boston. It is a championship fight that could go one way or the other. Both combatants always show up in top shape, have the tools to grind hard round after round, and are fully capable of walking away with the ‘W’ and the IFC belt. Do not be surprised if the contest ignites into an epic standup war. It may come down to who has the deeper gas tank and who can take control of the later championship rounds (4th and 5th) if necessary. It may come down to who has the willpower to keep the pressure on. The pride of Ireland versus the pride of Poland.
Boston fight fans are in for a heavy dose of pure electric as INVICTA FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS brings a full card of professional women’s MMA action to the heart of New England. Do not miss out on this high impact action!
ERICA VALENTIN vs TATIANA CIRILO-SANTOS CAGE WARS STRAWWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT JULY 7, 2023 / RIVERS CASINO & RESROT / SCHENECTADY, NY
QUEEN MMA Media
On July 7, 2023 at Cage Wars 59 Erica Valentin will square off against Tatiana Cirilo-Santos for the vacant Cage Wars amateur Strawweight (115 lbs) Championship Title.
ERICA VALENTIN PRIMED FOR CAGE WARS TITLE BOUT
Erica Valentin has battled her way into the top twenty New England and New York women’s amateur MMA pound for pound rankings in less than two years. Valentin made her amateur MMA debut in October of 2021. She trains out of Underdog Mixed Martial Arts in Connecticut and continues to build solid experience having fought under the promotional banners of Cage Titans, AMMO Fight League, Reality Fighting, Dead Serious, Maverick MMA, and Cage Wars. Valentin made her first appearance with the Cage Wars promotion against a game opponent, Kali Zervos back in September of 2022. Valentin charmed the New York crowd and delivered a strong unanimous decision victory.
In November of 2022 Valentin returned to Cage Wars 54 to face Eymie Moreno for the vacant Cage Wars amateur Strawweight Championship Title. Valentin came up short in a hard fought decision loss to Moreno. Despite the setback Valentin bounced back in her very next bout. In December of 2022 she captured the Dead Serious vacant amateur MMA catch-weight (122 lbs) Championship Title with a win over Gabby Marques in another co-main event. Valentin continues to improve step by step with each amateur matchup. She has shown she can throw hard in standup exchanges and can hold her own on the ground. Valentin brings a (3 – 4) amateur MMA record into the cage. The amateur’s is the place to develop experience. It is the place to grow and mature. Valentin’s progress is noticeable and her evolution is becoming more defined with every bout. She is becoming a very dangerous and formidable amateur MMA fighter.
Valentin is heading into the Cage Wars 59 Strawweight Championship fight coming off a disappointing championship title fight loss due to a cut stoppage against a talented up and coming prospect Janii Rosario back in March of this year at Maverick MMA 22. Shortly into the first round of the Rosario bout Valentin received a nasty cut that prompted the stoppage.
“The fight got called off because I got cut bad, but I wasn’t like knocked out or anything like that. I got right back into the gym the next day. Been working on my redemption,” – Erica Valentin
Valentin is happy to be back at Cage Wars. Even though she is out of Connecticut Valentin has come to think of the New York based Cage Wars as being her home.
“I feel alive when I perform in front of Cage Wars at Rivers Casino & Resort. I want to put on the best show that you guys will see from a strawweight contender.” – Erica Valentin
Valentin’s fights always bring energy and excitement. She always shows up for war.
“I feel like it’s a good matchup. She’s 3-2 and I’m 3-4. I just feel like stylistically we are good for each other,” explained Valentin about her upcoming title bout against Tatiana Cirilo-Santos.
When asked if she would like to see the fight be settled via standup or on the ground, Valentine’s reply – “I’m good where ever the fight goes.”
A win over Tatiana Cirilo-Santos would be a big victory for Valentin. It would give her the Cage Wars Strawweight title belt and allow her to gain another step closer to the summit of the northeast amateurs.
TATIANA CIRILO-SANTOS
Tatiana Cirilo-Santos fights out of New York and trains under American Killer Bees. She is ranked among New York’s pound for pound top fifteen women’s amateur MMA fighters. Cirilo-Santos made her amateur MMA debut in December of 2019 with a unanimous decision win against Kelly Knight at Triton Fights 16. She has gone on to produce a (3 – 2) record as an amateur with all three of her wins coming via decision.
This will be Cirilo-Santos first time under the bright lights of Cage Wars. A win over Valentin would bring Cirilo-Santos her first amateur title belt and push her higher up the amateur rankings. Both North East MMA Media and Queen MMA Media reached out to Cirilo-Santos for comments however she was unresponsive.
This looks to be an exciting, competitive title fight. These lady warriors have the firepower to bring the fight fans to the edge of their seats. These are two hungry strawweights ready for battle. With the winner grabbing the Cage Wars title and sending a clear message to the New York State and New England amateur strawweights who is who and what is what.
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