Invicta FC 27: Kaufman vs Kianzad preview and weigh-in video

Bloody Elbow 2.0 | Anton Tabuena

Invicta FC kicks off 2018 with some experienced hands, but a lot of newer and younger talent ready to make an impression.

The main event is a pleasantly surprising affair as former Strikeforce champion Sarah Kaufman (18-4) returns to the Invicta cage after almost four years away. Kaufman had a four-fight run in the UFC, and had her contract expire at the end of 2015. After taking some time off, she returned to action this past March in a winning effort against current UFC talent Jessica-Rose Clark at Battlefield Fighting Championships.

Her opponent is tough Swede Pannie Kianzad (8-2), who won her Invicta debut in 2015 (also against Jessica-Rose Clark) and struggled afterwards with back to back losses against Tonya Evinger and Raquel Pa’aluhi. Kianzad had earlier successes on the European circuit against fighters such as Lina Lansberg (TKO), Milana Dudieva (decision) and Annalisa Bucci (decision).

The co-main event features the return of former title challenger Vanessa Porto (19-8) facing fellow Brazilian Mariana Morais (12-5). Porto bounced back from a loss to Agnieszka Niedzwiedz to earn a TKO victory against Milana Dudieva, and aims to get back on another win streak. Morais is coming off a tough loss at the hands of KSW’s Ariane Lipski, snapping a two-fight win streak. Morais’ record is mostly comprised of submission finishes, so Porto may have her hands full here.

Other fights include national champion wrestler Sharon Jacobson taking on kickboxer Ashley Nichols, and crafty submission hunter Ashley Cummins takes on a strong Stephanie Alba. Cheri Muraski also returns to Invicta as a replacement to face Guam’s Brogan Walker-Sanchez. Colorado’s Mallory Martin also makes an appearance as she faces longtime wrestler Tiffany Masters. Florida featherweight Felicia Spencer (3-0) takes on the dynamic Akeela Al-Hameed (pro debut).

Also, you can check out the weigh-ins below (link in case video is not available).

Full card is as follows:

Pannie Kianzad (8-2) vs Sarah Kaufman (18-4, 1 NC) – Bantamweight

Vanessa Porto (19-8) vs Mariana Morais (12-5) – Flyweight

Sharon Jacobson (4-2) vs Ashley Nichols (3-1) – Strawweight

Ashley Cummins (5-4) vs Stephanie Alba (3-1, 1 NC) – Atomweight

Brogan Walker-Sanchez (4-0) vs Cheri Muraski (4-0) – Flyweight

Felicia Spencer (3-0) vs Akeela Al-Hameed (pro debut) – Featherweight

Mallory Martin (1-2) vs Tiffany Masters (2-1) – Strawweight

Mellissa Wang (1-0) vs Loma Lookboonmee (pro debut) – Atomweight

Jade Ripley (pro debut) vs Helen Peralta (pro debut) – Strawweight

Invicta FC 27 streams on UFC Fight Pass at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT.

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About the author

Victor Rodriguez

Victor Rodriguez has been a writer and podcaster for Bloody Elbow since 2015. He started his way as a lowly commenter and moderator to become the miscreant he is now. He often does weekly bits on fringe martial arts items across the globe, oddball street combat pieces, previews, analysis, and some behind-the-scenes support. He has trained in wrestling, Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and the occasional Muay Thai and Judo lesson here and there. Victor has also been involved with acting and audio editing projects. He lives in Pennsylvania where he plays way too many video games and is an S-rank dad.