Shannon Knapp: Univision Deportes to air Invicta FC 16

Jinh Yu Frey, Shannon Knapp and Cassie Robb

Invicta FC has struck a deal with Spanish-language TV network Univision to air the all-female promotion’s 16th event.

Invicta FC President Shannon Knapp confirmed the news today on MMAjunkie Radio, announcing a deal with Univision Deportes two days before Invicta FC 16, which features a pair of title fights.

“The series will be called ‘Invicta’ as a standalone, so I think it’s an exciting time,” she said.

Invicta FC 16 takes place Saturday at Trinidad Pavilion at Tropicana Las Vegas. In the event’s headliner, atomweight champion Ayaka Hamasaki (12-1) meets challenger Amber Brown (6-1), while Jennifer Maia (12-4-1) and Vanessa Porto (18-6) face off for the interim flyweight title.

In addition to airing on Univision, Invicta FC 16 also streams live on UFC Fight Pass.

A press release on the broadcast partnership is forthcoming. Knapp said Invicta will soon add a Spanish-language commentary team for events “as we move forward.”

“This show is going to be a little bit different,” she said. “There’s a big soccer match before us, so we’re a little nervous as to the timing. So we’re going to do this a little different, but everybody’s very excited about it, so we’re going to look to foster the relationship as we grow.”

According to Univision Deportes’ online schedule, there are three soccer matches slated for Saturday afternoon prior to the Invicta event.

Knapp said the promotion is also interested in holding international events and has business ties to Mexico. The promotion has featured several talented fighters from the country, including teammates Alexa Grasso and Irene Aldana.

Aldana (5-2) is slated to fight UFC vet Jessamyn Duke (3-3) on the Invicta FC 16 main card. The undefeated Grasso (7-0), who won praise from UFC President Dana White, originally was set to meet Stephanie Eggnik (4-2), but an injury forced her to withdraw from the event. She was replaced by UFC vet Angela Hill (3-2).

For more on Invicta FC 16, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.

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