Bannon shines in her Invicta debut

SHAUNA Bannon will be hoping to build on her impressive victory over Nadia Vera in her Invicta Fighting Championship debut in Oklahoma this week.

While the Tallaght woman drew on her vast striking experience when facing her Mexican rival, she proved more than capable whenever the contest went to ground.

Bannon was 2 and 0 in professional MMA heading into this fight having chalked up a brace of knockout wins in Cage Legacy, and the Holohan Martial Arts competitor set about extending her unbeaten run when she caught Vera with a couple of early shots.

The Mexican did take the Dubliner to the canvas, but was very nearly undone by a triangle choke and she found herself in the same situation again in the second round, Bannon unloading some heavy elbows to ensure she remained out in front.

Bannon proved she was well able to absorb some punishment, when she was caught with several punches at the start of the third round.

But the former Tallaght Martial Arts competitor quickly regained her composure to take control even from the floor, where she employed a strong armbar that had Vera in trouble.

And when both fighters made it back to their feet, Bannon again demonstrated superb striking technique that left no doubt as to whom the winner would be.