Invicta FC, Pancrase create talent-sharing partnership – Women to compete in both U.S. and Japan
One of the longest running mixed martial arts promotions has teamed up with the all-women’s promotion Invicta Fighting Championship. Formed in 1993, Japan’s Pancrase is one of the sport’s oldest promotions. Pancrase will now join forces with Invicta FC in an exclusive talent-sharing partnership to support the growth of women’s mixed martial arts.
According to a report from Rob Tatum on the Invicta FC website, “The deal will provide fighters from both organizations with opportunities to fight in both Japan and the U.S. It will also help promote women’s MMA on a global scale. Look for fighters from both organizations to compete against one another in the near future.”
“It’s an honor to be able to partner with Pancrase, one of MMA’s most storied promotions,” said Invicta President Shannon Knapp. “In addition to all past and present ‘Kings and Queens of Pancrase,’ pioneers and contemporary stars alike have passed through the Pancrase organization at one time or another. Through our talent-sharing agreement, we hope to be able to capitalize on the wealth of female fighters being developed by both Invicta and Pancrase in a mutually beneficial way.”
Pancrase President Masakazu Sakai also shared his thoughts on the agreement, “From this partnership, the world’s best fighters from Invicta will get an opportunity to fight in Pancrase, and at the same time, Japanese fighters will get to experience fighting Invicta fighters that are at the world level. In addition, Japanese fighters would get a chance to fight in Invicta. This might open the door for fans in Japan to see Japanese fighters under the Invicta contract, such as Mizuki and Takayo Hashi to fight in Japan as well. Both Invicta FC and Pancrase are currently on UFC Fight Pass and by exchanging fighters we are looking to increase opportunities for fighters to compete more often.”
