The 28-year-old Montreal-born, Orlando-based Spencer wrapped up a three-year, six-fight unbeaten run under the Invicta FC banner last November by winning the vacant featherweight title by tapping out Pam Sorenson late in the fourth round. Signed by the UFC a few months later, the “Feenom” has a chance to instantly establish herself as a bona fide contender when she squares off with Megan Anderson this weekend.
A Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt representing Jungle MMA, Spencer faced little adversity prior to her bout with Sorenson, but showed her grit and resolve in claiming the title and earning a call-up to the biggest stage in the sport. She has earned four stoppages in her six starts, including her last two appearances, which highlights her resolve and continued development as a fighter.
While many fighters are able to dominate in the early stages of their careers, only to falter when the competition gets tougher, the UFC newcomer rose to the challenge, making relatively quick work of Helena Kolesnyk before submitting Sorenson last November. Now the UCF grad squares off with the woman she replaced atop the featherweight division under the Invicta FC banner, jumping in with Australia’s Anderson in a bout that could very well determine the next title challenger in the 145-pound weight class.
Anderson secured her first UFC win last time out, but it wasn’t the kind of finish she was hoping for, as her bout with Cat Zingano was halted a minute into the opening round due to an eye injury Zingano sustained after Anderson connected with a high kick.
This is a major step up in competition for the promotional newcomer, but a win over Anderson catapulted Holly Holm into a championship showdown with Amanda Nunes and a victory this weekend could potentially do the same for Spencer.
