After last meeting in March 2018, DeAnna Bennett and Karina Rodriguez are now set to run it back with a title shot on the line.
Since winning their first fight via split decision, Bennett (9-3-1) has continued to build momentum, winning her tournament semi-final bout by outpointing Miranda Maverick in February of this year. Earlier in her career, Bennett competed on the 26th season of The Ultimate Fighter, eventually being eliminated by Sijara Eubanks in the title tournament’s quarter final. Bennett is 2-0 after returning to Invicta though and now looks to earn another shot at the promotion’s gold. She first fought for an Invicta crown in January 2016, falling short against then Strawweight champion Livia Renata Souza.
On the other side of the 125lbs bracket, Rodriguez (7-3) also won her semi-final bout, taking a split decision over UFC veteran Milana Dudieva. Bennett is Rodriguez’s only defeat in the Invicta cage, with the latter currently boasting a 3-1 record in the all-female promotion. With both fighters winning their solitary outings since Invicta FC 28, they now meet in the Flyweight Tournament Final, looking to secure a shot at champion Vanessa Porto.
The pair’s first fight was decided by a split decision verdict but this time the stakes are clearly much higher. The pivotal rematch headlines Invicta FC 35 on June 7th, taking place in Kansas City and airing on UFC Fight Pass. It currently features nine fights in total and includes bouts such as Viviane Pereira vs. Alesha Zappitella, Kanako Murata vs. Liana Pirosin, Katharina Lehner vs. Lisa Spangler and more.
