Katie Saull out, Marisa Messer-Belenchia steps in as replacement for Invicta FC atomweight tournament
Marisa Messer-Belenchia returns to Invicta FC just days away from their upcoming card.
The promotion announced Tuesday that Messer-Belenchia (3-1) will join the eight-woman atomweight field for Friday’s Phoenix Tournament event, which takes place at Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kan. Messer-Belenchia replaces Katie Saull after the Canadian was forced to withdraw due to “global travel restrictions.”
Messer-Belenchia has competed once for Invicta, losing a unanimous decision to Linda Mihalec at Invicta FC 37 in October 2019. She has also fought for Rhode Island’s Classic Entertainment & Sports MMA promotion.
Friday’s one-night tournament will determine the next challenger for atomweight champion Alesha Zappitella.
See the updated field below:
Paulina Granados
Katie Perez
Marisa Messer-Belenchia
Linda Mihalec
Tabatha Watkins
The first-round matchups are pending. Last Wednesday, Invicta announced that fans will determine who squares off on the opening round, with voting beginning on June 7 and ending an hour before the ceremonial weigh-ins this Thursday. Fighters will have their matchups assigned at the ceremonial weigh-ins.
Friday’s Phoenix Tournament event will be broadcast live on AXS TV and YouTube.