At this Friday’s Invicta FC 32, the vacant featherweight title is on the line. Competing for that belt, which was previously held by Megan Anderson and Cris Cyborg, are Felicia Spencer (5-0) and Pam ‘Bam’ Sorenson (7-2).
Spencer is coming off a second round RNC finish over Helena Kolesnyk at Invicta FC 30, it was her third stoppage in five pro fights. When asked by Bloody Elbow how she rated her most recent performance the 27-year-old ‘Feenom’ said: “I felt really good about it. It felt like I had enough presence of mind during the fight to not rush things. I was looking for the finish in the first round, that’s what I’m always trying to do, but I felt really confident and just handled myself by not rushing for something that wasn’t there.”
Spencer went into the Kolesnyk fight knowing a victory would most likely land her a shot at the vacant 145 lb title. However, the Florida based fighter (who trains under Seth Petruzeli) revealed that the potential shot at gold didn’t add any pressure to the bout.
“I would say every fight brings you up to that next level, so there’s always going to be pressure before a fight,” said Spencer. “So I didn’t feel any extra pressure than what I’m used to. I have a great team that always makes me feel like I’m exactly where I need to be and that I’m there for a reason. So it’s just a matter of being in the right mindset and not putting too much pressure on yourself and going out there and doing your thing.”
All of Spencer’s five pro fights have come inside the Invicta cage. Each of them has resulted in either a stoppage (two in the first round) or a unanimous decision. Spencer’s Friday night opponent told James Lynch of MMAOddsbreaker she thinks this early success — and the records of her past opponents — are signs that Spencer has yet to be tested in the cage.
Spencer took exception to these claims.
“I do feel like I’ve been tested,” she said. “I know Pam’s comments are always about the records of our opponents and their experience level, but I’ve had a hard time finding fights with people who have more experience. So the people who stepped up to fight me were very talented.”
Spencer added that she believed her opponent at Invicta FC 27, Akeela Al-Hameed who was making her pro debut, was more talented than some of Sorenson’s past opponents.
“I don’t feel bad about the records of the people I’ve faced,” continued Spencer. “I feel like they’ve had their own skill sets for me to overcome and I do feel confident that I’ve been tested in the right way to be ready for what [Sorenson’s] going to bring.”
Despite being miffed at Sorenson’s opinion on her record, Spencer was willing to give her fellow title challenger her due. “
She’s talented,” said Spencer. “She’s tough, that’s probably one of her biggest things, the toughness and that she’s going to go in there and give it her all. She brings great pressure.”
Spencer said she also respects the fact that Sorenson owns a number of wins against recognizable fighters such as Jessica-Rose Clark, Nicco Montano, and Jan Finney.
However, even though she has respect for Sorenson’s fortitude and experience, Spencer said she has no doubts who the better fighter is.
“I definitely feel like my skill set will be able to trump hers. She’s made some comments about me not being in a battle. Well, I don’t feel like it’s going to need to be a battle if I can just beat her with my skills, which are better than hers. So I’m ready for a battle, but I expect to finish her. I always expect a first round finish.”
Spencer stated that she has a “finisher’s instinct,” which is something she doesn’t believe Sorenson has. “I want the finish,” she said. “I’m not going to rush it. I feel like that’s something that’s evolved with me, being able to stay more calm and not rush for a finish that’s not there. So I’m really confident I’ll be able to figure her out in the first or second round and get her taken out.”
Friday will be the first time Spencer has competed for a title, headlined an event, and fought in a five round fight. She said she feels excited, and prepared, for all these firsts. Additionally, Spencer revealed she felt “honoured” for the opportunity to compete for a belt at Invicta.
“To be able to headline an Invicta show, and to take that vacant belt, it has became the only thing that I care about. That’s the goal now, just to be an Invicta champ and whatever comes after comes from here … It’s kind of unreal [to be in this position]. Every time I see the poster it’s kind of crazy to think about. I don’t know, it’s kind of like a regular fight, but at the same time, all the extra that goes along with it is very humbling and fun at the same time.”
Felicia Spencer vs. Pan Sorenson for the vacant Invicta FC featherweight title goes down this Friday on UFC Fight Pass. The event begins at 8PM ET and also features Mizuki Inoue vs. Viviane Pereira and Ashley Cummins vs. Jessica Delboni.