Founded by former Blackeye Promotions Vice President Janet Martin and longtime mixed martial arts executive Shannon Knapp in 2012, Invicta Fighting Championships was created as a showcase for female mixed martial artists following Zuffa’s purchase of Strikeforce. Invicta has promoted 27 events since its inception.
Invicta 1 on April 28, 2012 featured a main event that pitted former Strikeforce champion Marloes Coenen against Romy Ruyssen, with Jessica Penne, Liz Carmouche, Leslie Smith and 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Randi Miller also on the card.