Sarah Kaufman Submits Katharina Lehner to Win Bantamweight Title: Invicta FC 29 Results

The Invicta FC cage was at the Scottish Rite Temple in Kansas City, Missouri for Invicta FC 29: Kaufman vs. Lehner. Bantamweights Sarah Kaufman and Katharina Lehner headlined the eight-fight card with the vacant 135-pound title on the line.  Kaufman earned the bantamweight title via submission in the third round and handed Lehner her first career loss. 

The opening round was competitive with both ladies comfortable standing and trading.  Kaufman initiated most of the exchanges in the round while Lehner looked to counter punch. 

In the second frame, Kaufman mixed up her offensive attack and took Lehner down.  Kaufman applied a arm-triangle choke and moved to the side to tighten it down but Lehner defended the submission attempt and got back to her feet.  She shook her finger at the Canadian after escaping the choke. 

Having success on the ground in the second round, Kaufman secured another takedown in the third frame.  Lehner gave up her back and Kaufman locked on a rear-naked choke.  Seconds later, Lehner tapped out. 

“It’s amazing.  Every title is amazing.  It’s a great honor.  But definitely at this stage in my career this is a big spring board and I’m really looking forward to what’s coming next,” said the newly crowned bantamweight champion.  “Cris Cyborg is the only other Strikeforce and Invicta champion and now I’m that same thing.”

The win was Kaufman’s first submission victory in her 12-year fighting career.  She was recently promoted to a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Pannie Kianzad Gets Back In The Win Column

In the co-main event, former title challenger Pannie Kianzad snapped a three-fight losing streak with a unanimous decision win over Bianca Daimoni.  She won the striking exchanges and controled Daimoni in the clinch. 

In the second frame, Kianzad knocked Daimoni down with a stiff jab.  In the third round, she took over the fight landing her jab and repeatedly snapping Daimoni’s head back. 

“You don’t know how much I’ve thought about this moment.  It’s been a hard two years,” said an emotional Kianzad following her first win since July 2015.  “All I was dreaming of was is being here with my hand raised when nobody believed in me.  It’s hard when everybody’s counting you out.  I’m not out.  I’m (expletive) back bitches.” 

Pearl Gonzalez Gets Quick Win

UFC veteran Pearl Gonzalez picked up her second consecutive win inside the Invicta FC cage by defeating Barbara Acioly by submission in the first round.  Gonzalez caught a kick and took Acioly down early in the opening round.  She moved to side control before advancing to the mount position.  She looked to secure an armbar and nearly lost position before locking on a triangle choke.  She transition from the choke to an armbar and rolled to extend Acioly’s arm.  Acioly quickly tapped out. 

It was Gonzalez’s debut at 125-pounds.  While she prefers to fight at 115-pounds, she didn’t rule out taking more fights in the flyweight division. 

“I think that whatever opportunity presents itself.  I like being at 115, but I’ll take an opportunity at 125.  I’m just so eager to evolve, eager to get better so wherever there’s an opportunity I’m here.  I’m game,” she said. 

Invicta FC 29: Kaufman vs. Lehner Results:

– Sarah Kaufman def. Katharina Lehner by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:30, R3
– Pannie Kianzad def. Bianca Daimoni by unanimous decision Bianca Daimoni
– Pearl Gonzalez def. Barbara Acioly by submission (armbar) at 1:30, R1
– Marciea Allen def. Julia Avila by TKO (hand injury) at , R1
– Liz Tracy def. Cheri Muraski by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
– Lisa Spangler def. Lisa Spangler by unanimous decision (unanimous) (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
– Macy Chiasson def. Allison Schmidt by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
– Helen Peralta def. Cheyanne Vlismas by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)