Invicta FC 44 adds Miesha Tate and Yves Edwards on commentary, fans return
It will truly be a new era at Invicta FC 44 on Friday, Aug. 27.
When the world’s premier combat sports organization for women returns to pay-per-view for the first time in eight years, it will feature two new faces in the commentary booth, as well as the return of fans for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate and MMA pioneer Yves Edwards will provide color commentary alongside Invicta FC staple TJ De Santis, who will handle his usual play-by-play duties.
The 34-year-old Tate recently restarted her MMA career following a four-year absence from competition. “Cupcake” defeated Marion Reneau in July to put herself back in the spotlight. A native of Washington state, Tate previously provided guest commentary at both Invicta FC 7 and Invicta FC 14.
Edwards, who retired from fighting in 2014, began his career in 1997. He fought for promotions such as Pride FC, Strikeforce, Bellator MMA and the UFC across 66 career bouts. Since retiring, the Bahamas native has provided commentary for the Professional Fighters League, as well as desk analysis for Fox Sports.
Invicta FC 44: A New Era is headlined by a strawweight title clash as top contenders Emily “Gordinha” Ducote (9-6) and “Dynamite” Danielle Taylor (11-5) square off for the vacant 115-pound strap. The second half of the double main event features Lisa “Battle Angel” Verzosa (6-1) opposite Phoenix Tournament winner Taneisha “Triple Threat” Tennant (3-1) to determine a new bantamweight champion.
The main card will be distributed on pay-per-view via traditional cable and satellite carriers beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Digital customers around the world can pre-order the event immediately from FITE for $19.99 in the United States, $14.99 in Canada and $9.99 in the rest of the world.
Prior to the main card, the Invicta FC 44 Prelims will be broadcast in the U.S. on AXS TV and streamed for free worldwide on Invicta FC’s YouTube channel beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The preliminary portion of the card has added an atomweight bout between North Carolina’s Katie “Maquina Asesina” Perez (2-1) and Colorado newcomer Natalie Salcedo (debut), who was undefeated as an amateur.
Watch FREE prelims below:
The event will also feature the return of fans in attendance. Tickets to the event — which emanates from Memorial Hall — are on sale now through Eventbrite. Per local safety precautions, all fans in attendance will be required to wear masks. A limited number of media will also be allowed to attend.
As with any Invicta event, the safety of its athletes, their corners, its staff, commission officials and fans is of the utmost priority. All participants will be tested for COVID-19 prior to the event.
Order and watch main card below:
Invicta FC 44: A New Era
Strawweight Title: Emily Ducote vs. Danielle Taylor
Bantamweight Title: Lisa Verzosa vs. Taneisha Tennant
Flyweight: Brogan Sanchez vs. Mara Romero Borella
Strawweight: Jodie Esquibel vs. Kelly D’Angelo
Bantamweight: Serena DeJesus vs. Lauren Mueller
Invicta FC 44 Prelims (updated)
Flyweight: Caitlin Sammons vs. Helen Peralta
Atomweight: Katie Saull vs. Monique Adriane
Atomweight: Katie Perez vs. Natalie Salcedo
Featherweight: Kayla Yontef vs. Carlene Chandler
