Bellator MMA has added to their ranks once again. Following the latest capturing of perennial UFC light heavyweight contender, Corey ‘Overtime’ Anderson, the promotion have snapped up current Invicta FC flyweight best, Vanessa Porto. The Brazilian veteran has put pen to paper on a multi-fight deal with the Scott Coker led promotion – following an eight-year stint under the Invicta FC banner.
The São Paulo native has scored four consecutive victories, notching the vacant flyweight crown opposite UFC alumnus, Pearl Gonzalez after she suffered an inadvertent eye poke opposite the Chicago native, leaving her unable to continue in February of last year. In her lone outing since then, Porto managed a unanimous judging win over Mexico’s, Karina Rodríguez in a non-title bout, after the latter had tipped the flyweight scales. News of Porto’s signing was initially reported by ESPN’s, Marc Raimondi.
Porto, 34, has competed professionally since February of 2005 – with a host of notable names finding themselves on the losing side of outings with the 22-8 Brazilian. Faltering opposite current two-weight world champion, Amanda Nunes, Bellator featherweight best, Cris Cyborg, and upcoming title challenger, Jennifer Maia of note – Porto has also beaten both Maia, and Roxanne Modafferi in rematches, as well as securing wins over Tonya Evinger, Germaine de Randamie, Kalindra Faria, and Hitomi Akano of note.
While a date or opponent for Porto’s debut has yet to be confirmed by the promotion, Raimondi also noted how according to Invicta FC president, Shannon Knapp – the aforenoted Gonzalez and Erin Blanchfield will compete for the vacant flyweight crown at a November event.
