Invicta FC 34 preview, weigh-in results and video

High stakes in the flyweight division as veteran Vanessa Porto tries to beat back a resurgent Pearl Gonzalez at Invicta 34.

Invicta FC brings the goods this Friday, with a four-woman tournament for the number one contender spot at flyweight, as well as an excellent flyweight title fight in the main event.

Former title challenger Vanessa Porto (20-8) won back-to-back fights and is now set up for a shot at the vacant belt formerly held by Jennifer Maia. To do that, she needs to face Pearl Gonzalez, who has a hot hand with a three-win run and a new set of motivations, as well as some great training partners.

Gonzalez has sharpened her striking with use of range and better technique, and a very sound submission game. Porto’s got a rounded striking game with blistering leg kicks and a hard-nosed grappling approach with clinches and takedowns. Both are very deserving of this opportunity, and this should be a very good fight.

Co-main event billing goes to former UFC fighter and Russian grappler Milana Dudieva (12-7) and Mexican striker Karina Rodriguez (6-3). Dudieva’s coming off a TKO win against Christina Marks, while Rodriguez had a three-win streak halted by DeAnna Bennett in her last outing. Rodriguez is replacing Brogan Walker-Sanchez, who bowed out due to injury.

Speaking of Bennett (9-4, 1 draw), she’s up against the young and very hungry Miranda Maverick (4-1). Maverick has a very promising future in the sport, but has a tough challenge against a veteran that has good boxing, wrestling, and top control. Maverick’s coming off a submission win over Victoria Leonardo (also on this card), and is improving everywhere from fight to fight with a very strong and focused approach. Bennett’s got earlier career wins over Julianna Peña, wrestling standout Sharon Jacobson, Colleen Schneider, and former champs Jennifer Maia and Katka Kankaanpaa.

Unfortunately, a featherweight fight between Faith McMah (formerly Van Duin) and Helena Kolesnyk has been scrapped due to Kolesnyk missing weight by just over ten pounds. You can watch the weigh-ins right here (link if unavailable on page):

Full card and weigh-in results are as follows:

Vanessa Porto (124.7) vs Pearl Gonzalez (124.0) (Flyweight championship title fight)

Milana Dudieva (126) vs Karina Rodriguez (125.4) (Flyweight tournament bout)

DeAnna Bennett (126) vs Miranda Maverick (125.4) (Flyweight tournament bout)

Tracy Cortez (126.0) vs Erin Blanchfield (125.5) (Flyweight tournament reserve bout)

Faith McMah (125.7) vs Helena Kolesnyk (156.3) (Featherweight fight - has been cancelled)

Jamie Milanowski (125.4) vs Victoria Leonardo (125.7) (Flyweight)

Courtney King (145.4) vs Holli Logan (149.9) (Featherweight)*

Christina Ricker (124.0) vs Caitlin Sammons (125.5) (Bantamweight)

*Logan missed weight by 3.9lbs.

Invicta FC 34 begins with the prelims on Facebook and UFC Fight Pass at 8:00pm EST, then the main card at 9:00pm EST exclusively on UFC Fight Pass.