Invicta FC 6 likely to include champ Esparza vs. Hamasaki, Mizuki vs. Hyatt

Two new bouts are targeted for Invicta FC 6, including strawweight champion Carla Esparza (9-2) vs. Ayaka Hamasaki (9-0) and strawweights Bec Hyatt (5-2) vs. Mizuki Inoue (5-1).

MMARising.com first reported the 115-pound matchups.

Invicta FC 6 is expected to take place in late June or mid-July, likely in Kansas City, Mo. A venue and broadcast/streaming plans haven’t been finalized.

As MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) previously reported, a rematch between Marloes Coenen (21-5) and Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos (11-1) headlines the card. The winner earns Invicta’s inaugural featherweight title.

Esparza, an All-American collegiate wrestler, attempts to defend her title for the first time. She’s won six of her past seven fights, which have included Invicta wins over Sarah Schneider, Lynn Alvarez and late replacement Hyatt (the latter of which won her the inaugural title). She now meets Hamasaki, a standout Japanese fighter who’s also the current Pancrase women’s lightweight champion. The Megumi Fujii-trained fighter has won all nine of her pro bouts, including an Invicta FC 2 matchup with Lacey Schuckman.

Hyatt, meanwhile, looks to build off a submission win over Jasminka Cive at Invicta FC 5, which followed her title loss to Esparza. The Australian fan favorite now meets Inoue, a veteran of the Japan-based Jewels organization who’s riding a three-fight win streak. The 18-year-old also is active in kickboxing, shoot boxing and grappling competitions.

The latest Invicta FC 6 card now includes:

• Marloes Coenen vs. Cristiane Santos - for inaugural featherweight title
• Carla Esparza vs. Ayaka Hamasaki* – for strawweight title
• Bec Hyatt vs. Mizuki Inoue*

* – Not officially announced

For the latest on Invicta FC 6, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Carla Esparza)