Photo Credit for photos 1-3: Invicta FC
After a noted amateur career Felicia Spencer turned pro in late 2015 and made her pro debut with Invicta FC and a win over Rach Wiley. An impressive win that started a path to what she accomplished at Invicta FC 32.
After that win Spencer was consistently put in with opponents who were being hyped up as the next big thing and she continued to make short work of them, names like Amy Coleman and Akeela Al-Hameed. Which brought her to July of this year and Helena Kolesnyk.
Kolesnyk was sure to be the toughest challenger Spencer had faced, bringing a 5-1 record and thought to have a strong striking game. Kolesnyk did push her into the second round but Spencer controlled the fight the entire way before scoring her second submission win. After the bout Spencer made it clear that she believes in herself as she called out Megan Anderson and made her statement that she wanted the featherweight title.
It just so happened Pam Sorenson also wanted that featherweight title and both were deserving of an opportunity at it. So the bout was scheduled for November. Once again it was sure to be the toughest opponent Spencer had faced and while a slight favorite, many thought this could be Spencer's first loss. Round one was all Spencer as she got it to the ground and seemed close to finishing her opponent. Rounds two and three were closer and were the first real times Spencer faced adversity, which is actually probably a good thing going forward, she showed she can push through and overcome adversity.
Round four, Sorenson started out good but Spencer quickly took over and seized the opportunity to get the fight where she wanted it and showed that you don't want to be on the ground with her as she got the choke and the win and became the new champ.
Going forward, there are not a ton of potential challengers for her title so it will be interesting to see where she goes next. Whether a challenger can be found or with the UFC having a real lack of depth at that weight, will she be brought to the UFC soon and groomed as a potential challenger for Cris Cyborg's title assuming she gets by Amanda Nunes. One thing is for sure, wherever she fights, whoever she fights, Felicia Spencer has shown she is a fan friendly fighter in that her fights, short or long do not lack excitement and that the future is very very bright for her.
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