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Ayaka Hamasaki gunning for two titles like Conor McGregor to earn invite to the UFC
For the past couple of years, Invicta FC atomweight champion Ayaka Hamasaki has been trying to get the attention of the UFC just like two previous title holders at 105 pounds.
Before Jessica Penne and Michelle Waterson were on the UFC roster, both held that belt for Invicta and now Hamasaki has done the same with even more success, yet she still hasn't received a call to join them in the Octagon.
So Hamasaki is taking matters into her own hands and that includes calling out the Invicta FC strawweight champion, who she hopes to face next and then become a two-division champion — a feat that was recently also accomplished by Conor McGregor in the UFC.
"I am in the one weight class below but I became Invicta FC champion, and defended this title twice," Hamasaki told FOX Sports.
"I've been vocal about wanting to go to UFC but that still seems difficult. So, I guess the shortest way is to go back to the strawweight division and become the champion at that weight class too."
Hamasaki has competed at strawweight before although she admits 105 pounds is a more natural weight division. That being said, the UFC doesn't currently employ an atomweight division so Hamasaki is more than happy to challenge herself by packing on a few more pounds and moving to strawweight.
On Friday night, Invicta FC will see the 115 pound title go up for grabs as former "Ultimate Fighter" competitor and current champion Angela Hill takes on Kaline Medeiros with the bout airing exclusively on UFC Fight Pass.
Hamasaki hopes to face the winner and then claim a second Invicta FC world title to prove she belongs amongst the best of the best in women's mixed martial arts.
"Yes! I do like to fight the winner of Angela and Kaline next for the Invicta FC strawweight title," Hamasaki said. "My impression of Kaline is, physically strong and also, she can strike and very tough on the ground as well. I think, she is good at mixing strikes to score takedowns. And, instead of submitting I think she likes to pound her opponent out. In her last fight, she nailed bunch of slam-like takedowns.
"So, if I fight Angela or Kaline, I think its going to be striker versus grappler. I am sure Angela would want to stay on her feet, and Kaline would probably be looking for the takedowns then ground and pound. Against Angela or Kaline, I can't be carelessly step into their offensive range. Either way I think its going to be a very exciting fight."
According to Hamasaki's manager Shu Hirata from Suckerpunch Entertainment, he's already approached Invicta FC president Shannon Knapp about the possibility of Hamasaki challenging the winner of the strawweight title fight as she looks to become a two division champion.
Considering the attention McGregor just received for the same attempt in the UFC, Invicta FC could get a lot of eyeballs on the promotion if Hamasaki goes up in weight to challenge for a second world title.
"I've already asked Shannon (Knapp) to consider an immediate title shot for Ayaka at the strawweight division. Let Ayaka go for the titles at two weight classes," Hirata said.
It's unknown right now whether or not Hamasaki will get her chance, but the best way she knows to receive the opportunity is to ask for it. She's been gunning for a spot on the UFC roster for quite some time, so what better way to get matchmaker Sean Shelby's attention than to go out and do what's never been done before in Invicta FC history.
"Just till few years ago I couldn't even imagine seeing women's fight in the UFC but now fighters like Ronda (Rousey) and Joanna (Jedrzejczyk) are fighting in the headliner of the event," Hamasaki said.
"Invicta FC is a great promotion and by fighting for that organization, I was able to experience the strength of the world's best female MMA fighters. And now, I am watching those fighters that used to fight for Invicta FC fighting in the UFC so its just a my pure desire to fight those strong fighters."
