Invicta announces Phoenix Rising tournament to determine number one contender at atomweight

Phoenix Rising is getting another iteration, and it’s time for the smaller side of the roster to shine.

After atomweight champion Alesha Zappitella defended her belt less than two weeks ago, she’s already getting a new challenger lined up. And the solution to finding someone to fit the bill is a simple one, and that’s another one-night tournament with a title shot for the winner.

Given the Kansas commission regulations regarding limiting the ring/cage time for a fighter on a single card, the first and second bouts will be a single five-minute round, and the final will be a full three-round, five-minute rounds.

Bonuses are also back, with finish bonuses in each bout. The fighter with the fastest finish in the quarterfinals will earn the right to choose their opponent for the semifinals as well. No finishes? No problem. A random draw will determine who faces who in the next round.

As for the fighters involved? They include some familiar faces with a handful of newcomers. The debutantes include Katie Perez (2-1), Tabatha Watkins, and former Combate Americas talent Paulina Granados (4-4). The Invicta vets include Katie Saull (3-4), Linda Mihalec (2-1), Lindsey VanZandt (7-4) and Jillian DeCoursey.

Rounding out the field will be Zappitella’s most recent title challenger, Jessica Delboni (10-3).

Curiously enough, Perez suffered a her lone loss as a pro against DeCoursey in her pro debut. She bounced back with consecutive submission wins since. Mihalec also had her only loss to DeCoursey in what was her last outing in February of 2020. Canadian Katie Saull suffered a loss to VanZandt, who has losses to both Delboni and Zappitella, as well as an amateur loss to DeCoursey. VanZandt also already holds a win over Watkins.

No bout order is set, as the opening bouts will be determined by random draw on fight night. Reserve bouts will also take place, although they have not been announced yet.

Invicta Phoenix Rising 4 will air on AXS TV, scheduled to begin at 7:00pm.