6 Reasons Invicta 6 Should Be Watched by Every MMA Fan

Invicta 6 is still a month away, which gives MMA fans a chance to learn about the show that may well offer the best set of reasons to watch women's MMA to date.

The event has one of WMMA's most devastating strikers, one of the most precise striking artists, one of the more charismatic members of the MMA community and a card packed with talent that is likely to win over any spectator. Only a true curmudgeon would turn their nose up at the Invicta shows thus far, and No. 6 is looking to add to the growing list of stellar shows.

Cyborg on the Warpath

There is no competitor more ferocious in WMMA than Cristiane "Cyborg" Justino. Outside of Ronda Rousey, there are few opponents who seem capable of being a threat.

Cyborg's next test, however, was one of her stronger opponents.

Cyborg has already defeated Marloes Coenen once via her usual demolishing strikes. However, Coenen put up a good fight until the third round, when she finally withered under the pressure. The bad news for the Dutch fighter is that Cyborg seems more determined than ever to prove she is the best.

That spells unbridled violence atop the already berserker-like style Cristiane is known for.

For fans who have never seen Cyborg before, think Wanderlei Silva circa 2004-2006...but with hair.

Leslie Smith Is the Honey Badger of WMMA

Is the title reference dated? Sure.

Is it still an apt way to describe the way Leslie Smith fights? Absolutely.

Smith almost seems incapable of having a fight that cannot be watched and talked about for weeks following the showcase. At Invicta 6, she will undoubtedly plod forward, eating punches as she dishes out some punishment of her own. That spells excitement for any fan of the fight game.

Last time out, Smith was on the wrong end of a split decision with Sarah Kaufman at Invicta 5. Smith gave her usual cardio-heavy, strike-filled performance that saw her take it to the former champion from bell to bell. Many believed she won the fight, knocking down Kaufman and, outside of brief takedowns, generally controlling the match.

For fans who have never seen Smith before, be prepared for a standard Diaz-like stand up fighter who is not afraid to trade punches for 15 minutes straight.

The Doctor Is In

Bas Rutten coined the nickname “Dr. Kneevil” at Invicta 4 after Muhammed Lawal stated she was like a surgeon with her strikes. The name is apt, and Joanne Calderwood is easily one of the most exciting talents in the Invicta organization.

Calderwood is a world-class striker. The Scot is a world champion kickboxer and has thus far proven to be a level above her competition. The one time Joanne faced an equally talented striker, she was able to show takedown and ground control while still remaining dominant on the feet.

For those who have never seen Calderwood fight before, be ready to see the most complete striking arsenal in MMA, period: devastating knees from the clinch, powerful leg and head kicks, cutting stiff jabs and elbows in the clinch and even a step-in uppercutting elbow a la Anderson Silva, each of which is mixed in seamlessly.

Namajunas by Flying Armbar

Rose Namajunas is one of the most exciting fighters in Women's MMA, both because of her talent and the passion she displays.

Namajunas landed a flying armbar in the first 12 seconds of her Invicta 5 bout. What followed were the most honest and entertaining victory celebrations since Forrest Griffin broke down after his victory over Mauricio Rua at UFC 76.

The fight prior, the young Lithuanian had a harder time earning the victory, working her way to a hard-fought RNC choke in the third round at Invicta 4. Rose was then given one of the most passionate post-fight pep talks by her cornerman and boyfriend Pat Barry.

For those who have not seen Namajunas, she is a striker who has built in an astoundingly effective submission game. Be ready for her to throw submission from nowhere and hold her own in the striking matchup.

Rothenhausler's Howitzer Cannon

Even for those who have followed Women's MMA, the name Veronica Rothenhausler may be a head-scratcher. There is one word to describe her fighting style: BOOM!

Rothenhausler has the most powerful single punch in Women's MMA. Even Cyborg usually has to bludgeon opponents into submission, but Veronica can put down fighters in a single kaboom.

Rothenhausler is still very rough around the edges, with just one professional and five amateur bouts. However, the power and reach she possesses cannot be taught.

For those who have not seen Rothenhausler fight, simply watch for the hand to cock back, and then wait for the thunder.

Invicta Puts on Great Shows

Since the first show in 2012, Invicta has put on one good show after the next. Yes, they are still not deep enough to put on shows every month. Even a show every two months is a ways off for the brand.

However, because the organization is avoiding rushing fighters out to the cage, they have a heightened quality of events.

Invicta 4 and 5 in particular had mostly exciting, gutsy and skilled showings by fighters up and down the respective cards. Invicta 6 is looking to continue to positive trend.

It may be tough for fans to be patient while waiting for Invicta to put on a show, but the wait has thus far always been worth it.