December 14, 2024 12:47 pm ET
Former UFC title challenger Jennifer Maia made Invicta FC historical past Friday night.
At Invicta FC 59, which came about at The Japanese in Atlanta, Maia (23-10-1) confronted incoming Invicta bantamweight champion Talita Bernardo in the principle occasion. Bernardo (11-5) sought a second protection of her title, however Maia gained a unanimous resolution (49-46, 49-46, 49-46) to grow to be the primary two-division champion in Invicta FC historical past.
The battle was aggressive early on the toes and on the mat. Each fighters threatened deep submission makes an attempt within the battle: Maia with an armbar and Bernardo with a kneebar.
.@jennimaiaufc threatens an armbar however @Talita_MMA escapes and takes high management once more!#InvictaFC59 pic.twitter.com/5up6s8GFNO
— Invicta FC (@InvictaFights) December 14, 2024
.@Talita_MMA was cranking on that kneebar, however @jennimaiaufc escapes! #InvictaFC59 pic.twitter.com/iOhb0PN4nH
— Invicta FC (@InvictaFights) December 14, 2024 Because the battle continued on, Maia pulled away on the scorecards behind efficient putting and grappling. Bernardo fought onerous all through and created a number of attention-grabbing scramble moments late, however Maia constantly discovered herself in advantageous positions.
#AndNew! @jennimaiaufc claims the Invicta FC Bantamweight Championship by way of unanimous resolution (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)! #InvictaFC59 pic.twitter.com/pUApszVssV
— Invicta FC (@InvictaFights) December 14, 2024
With the outcome, Maia turns into the primary two-division champion in Invicta FC historical past. Maia gained the Invicta flyweight title in 2016 by defeating Vanessa Porto at Invicta FC 16, a title she defended twice earlier than transferring to the UFC in 2018.
Maia returned to Invicta in August after a 12-fight run below the UFC banner which included a shot at Valentina Shevchenko’s flyweight title at UFC 255.
Full Invicta FC 59 outcomes embrace:
Make sure you go to the MMA Junkie Instagram web page and YouTube channel to debate this and extra content material with followers of blended martial arts.