Earlier today, UFC president, Dana White dropped a bombshell on MMA media, the plans to bring in the 115 pound women's division. We had heard some rumblings a few months ago, but the official word was that it wouldn't be happening in the near future. Of course, the tide can change in MMA in the blink of an eye, and that's what's happened here.
The question on everyone's mind now is, what will happen to Invicta FC? The deepest pool of talent at 115 is most certainly in Shannon Knapp's meticulous care, so it stands to reason that is where Sean Shelby and Joe Silva will be fishing from to bolster their new division. I spoke with Shannon just a few moments ago to get an official statement. Here's what she had to say:
I think it's great. I've always said that my goal was to build these divisions out to bring awareness to the female athletes in the sport by giving them a home and opportunities. I believe the UFC bringing in more weight divisions is proof that we are breaking down the barriers and moving the sport forward for the females. I saw it and believed in it from the start, and I'm happy that Invicta has been instrumental in changing the landscape for the female athletes. It's always been my personal and professional goal to make a difference in this sport, and I believe that each and every day, I'm accomplishing that.
Shannon seems like a really good person. I know this will hurt them and all the stuff about the org, she let people go who werent doing the right things, I hope they can keep going.
If not though I would hope the UFC would bring her in to be matchmaker and be the person who runs the two female divs and signs talent, builds relationships with the fighters etc.
But I hope they can keep going and be an org that builds the fighters up before they move to the UFC.
Also for divs like 145 125 105 with the fighters who dont want to change divs. I'd like to see Invicta survive and get a tv deal but if not Zuffa needs to bring her to run these divs.
You think the UFC would ever bring her in to be the match maker for the women's divisons? I know Shelby does the 135 division but if they started expanding...
Invicta FC can still find the talent and if they are good enough the UFC can take them. The same as for the women who get cut from the UFC can still have a job with Invicta FC. The UFC isn't likely to sign all the women so there will still be need for Invicta FC.
I love Shannon's attitude. Very classy and has a fantastic approach to adaptation when confronted with an uncontrollable business change. She looks for ways to make the change work for her organization as opposed to finding ways for it to fail. She has displayed that time and time again.
Very positive outlook and for that I will always support her product.
Mark Hunts Pet Monkey - It's only a matter of time now before Invicta is sucked in, and Shannon becomes Zuffa spokesperson and matchmaker for the female divisions.
If anyone doesn't think Zuffa is behind Invicta, you are blind! I said this from day 1, Zuffa is using Invicta to build WMMA which Zuffa is behind regardless of what Shannon says publicly.
Snapp is a great lady! I forgot where i read the article but it talked about how she personally goes out and gets pregnancy test before fights and checks them to make sure the girls arent preggo. There was more stuff, but that stood out the most, Shes definately good for WMMA
Considering how few women are already in the UFC, I have a feeling they'll only add about 4-6 115 lbers to the roster, if that. Invicta should be fine.
How many females are in the UFC right now? Also count the fighters from TUF who will get fights, atleast 5-6 of them should be added.
That pushes them over 20 females doesnt it?
I think they easily add 10-15 115ers to start off the div.
