Invicta FC becomes only current major MMA promotion to utilize open scoring
PHOENIX SERIES 3 to Feature Open Scoring on Friday, March 6
INVICTA FC is again on the apex of innovation in the sport of mixed martial arts. The world’s premier all-women’s combat sports organization announced that it will trial open scoring at the upcoming PHOENIX SERIES© 3 event scheduled for Friday, March 6 in Kansas City, Kan.
The event will be overseen by the Kansas Athletic Commission, who today announced they will offer open scoring as an option to all MMA promotions.
Under the commission’s direction, all three judges’ scores will be collected at the end of each round. The scores will then be provided to the corners of each fighter, as well as the promotion’s broadcast team, via commission officials. A graphic will be displayed on the broadcast revealing the scores to the viewing audience both in the arena and at home.
Invicta FC President Shannon Knapp said, “We’ve been considering open scoring for some time and, with the Kansas Athletic Commission’s decision to allow open scoring, we welcome the opportunity to use it on a major MMA promotion for the first time.”
While this system has been used in other combat sports, no major MMA organization currently utilizes the format.
Knapp added, “Invicta FC has always been about innovation. There are theoretical arguments for and against open scoring, but we think anything that could potentially improve the sport is worth trying. We are going into this event with an open mind. Afterwards, will regroup with the commission, our athletes and listen to fan feedback in order to make an informed decision about the future.”
PHOENIX SERIES© 3 features eight fighters competing in a one-night, single-elimination bantamweight tournament, as well as undefeated 24-year-old phenom Lisa “Battle Angel” Verzosa (5-0) squaring off with The Ultimate Fighter alum Julija Stoliarenko (8-3-1) of Lithuania for the vacant Invicta FC bantamweight title. All fights will be contested using open scoring. For the full fight card and ticketing information, click here.
