December 14, 2024 12: 47 pm ET
Former UFC title challenger Jennifer Maia made Invicta FC history Friday evening.
At Invicta FC 59, which took place at The Eastern in Atlanta, Maia (23-10-1) faced incoming Invicta bantamweight champion Talita Bernardo in the main event. Bernardo (11-5) sought a second defense of her title, but Maia won a unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46) to become the first two-division champion in Invicta FC history.
The fight was competitive early on the feet and on the mat. Both fighters threatened deep submission attempts in the fight: Maia with an armbar and Bernardo with a kneebar.
.@jennimaiaufc threatens an armbar but @Talita_MMA escapes and takes top control again!#InvictaFC59 pic.twitter.com/5up6s8GFNO
— Invicta FC (@InvictaFights) December 14, 2024
.@Talita_MMA was cranking on that kneebar, but @jennimaiaufc escapes! #InvictaFC59 pic.twitter.com/iOhb0PN4nH
— Invicta FC (@InvictaFights) December 14, 2024
As the fight continued on, Maia pulled away on the scorecards behind effective striking and grappling. Bernardo fought hard throughout and created a few interesting scramble moments late, but Maia consistently found herself in advantageous positions.
#AndNew! @jennimaiaufc claims the Invicta FC Bantamweight Championship via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)!