Katja Kankaanpää will step into the Invicta FC cage for the first time on April 5 at Ameristar Casino Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri. “It is the first time going to the States” Kankaanpää tells MMA Viking about her trip from Finland on Monday to fight for the top all-women promotion on Friday.
“I’m very happy and excited. Invicta more or less has all the hottest women and signed, and it will allow me to fight against tough opponents.” says the woman they call “Killer Bunny”. The featherweight is coming off a huge victory over Aisling Daly on New Year’s Eve, where she once again showed her dominance after off an unimpressive performance in a draw against Simona Soukupova. She looks to continue her undefeated run with the highest profile bout of her career.
Kankaanpää will face Juliana Carneiro Lima, who is an undefeated Brazilian at 5 wins and 0 losses at the Invicta 5 card. The Finn has accumulated 7 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw in her 3 year professional career. The card also featuring two title fights, plus Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos’ return.
“My opponent’s previous matches can be found online and are viewed through, so it is known what type of fighter I’ll encounter. In their area of strength, it will remain a source to build on where I can have the advantage. I hope that the same execution continues what was seen Aisling Daly. Fitness is back and better, so the expectations are high.” continues the Team BP / MMA Seinajoki fighter.
Kankaanpää Promo Video
“It would be nice to win the championship belt Invicta” Katja says about her future goals beyond this bout.
Below is the complete fight card.
MAIN CARD
Champ Jessica Penne vs. Michelle Waterson – for atomweight title
Barb Honchak vs. Vanessa Porto – for inaugural flyweight title
Fiona Muxlow vs. Cristiane Santos
Sarah Kaufman vs. Leslie Smith
Zoila Frausto Gurgel vs. Jennifer Maia
Lauren Taylor vs. Kaitlin Young
Julia Budd vs. Mollie Estes
Jasminka Cive vs. Bec Hyatt
PRELIMINARY CARD
Cassie Rodish vs. Simona Soukupova
Jessamyn Duke vs. Miriam Nakamoto
Katja Kankaanpää vs. Juliana Carnerio Lima
Mollie Estes vs. Veronica Rothenhausler
Alexandra Chambers vs. Jodie Esquibel
Kathina Catron vs. Rose Namajunas
Stay tuned to MMA Viking for continued coverage during the week.
