Leslie Smith Expects Barb Honchak to “Bring It” in Invicta FC Flyweight Title Fight

Leslie Smith made her flyweight debut at Invicta FC 6, winning by unanimous decision against Jennifer Maia on July 13.  Her next fight in the new weight class will be against champion Barb Honchak later this year.

Invicta FC president Shannon Knapp announced the match-up during the Invicta FC 6 post-fight press conference.

Prior to making the drop down to the flyweight division, Smith lost an extremely close split decision to Sarah Kaufman, a fight Smith felt she won.

“My sense of redemption will come when I beat Sarah Kaufman,” she said.  But the title shot opportunity at flyweight will keep her in the 125-pound division.  “That’s very good incentive to say in this weight class.”

Smith (6-3-1) is anticipating a tough match-up with the titleholder, but doesn’t expect to see anything she hasn’t already faced.

“Barb’s name is ‘Little Warrior,’ so I expect she’s going to bring it.  I think that she’s solid in all areas, but Jennifer Maia was solid in all areas,” said Smith during the Invicta FC 6 post-fight press conference.

“I’m expecting Barb, she’s not champion for no reason, so I’m sure she’s the full package, but I doubt there’s going to be a whole lot that I haven’t dealt with yet,” she added.

Honchak (8-2) became the flyweight champion by defeating Vanessa Porto at Invicta FC 5 on April 5.  The fight with Smith will be her first title defense.

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