Exciting news for fight fans! Invicta FC 62 kicked off in Kansas City, MO, on Friday, May 16th, airing on CBS Sports Network.
On May 12th, at Invicta FC 62 Presser, spearheaded by Megan Anderson, featured Daria Berenato, formerly known as Sonya DeVille from WWE, engaging with media representatives worldwide.
Daria Berenato, renowned for her professional wrestling and mixed martial arts background, has joined the all-women commentary team for Invicta FC 62, alongside Megan Anderson and Julie Kedzie.
Daria Berenato discusses Invicta FC 62, released WWE talent, and commentary
In her new role, the former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, and RAW General Manager, will bring her expertise as the color analyst for the event and will conduct in-cage interviews.
Her journey with Invicta began with overseeing the Invicta FC 61 weigh-ins on April 3rd, demonstrating her dedication and knowledge of the sport as she transitions into this expanded position.
The host asked Daria how excited she was to be a part of this moment.
“I’m geeking out a little bit because I grew up watching you and Julie Kezzi. I’m a little bit of a fan, but first and foremost, I’m honored to be side by side with the two of you.
I also feel like Invicta has been at the forefront of the women’s evolution in sports in general, specifically MMA. So, to be part of an all -female broadcast on a promotion like this, I’m really excited.”
The former WWE Superstar went on to share her thoughts on the card
“The bar was set very high at my last Invicta appearance. I was at Invicta 61. You (Megan Anderson) were there obviously, and I think every bout, but the main event ended in a finish.
Only one went to decision. So, it was like fireworks from start to finish. I was blown out of the water. I haven’t been to a live MMA event probably prior to that, five, six years.
So, it was really exciting just to feel the atmosphere and the air. I think Invicta FC is where stars are born. I think it’s where people really get the opportunity to garner their craft.
Like you said whether it’s their pro debut or like Deanna Bennett, her 16th, 17th Invicta appearance, I feel like it’s really a place where female MMA stars are born.
Who in the TNA Knockouts division would she like to see in the Octagon for Invicta FC?
“Ooh, a little crossover. Yeah, we like a little crossover. That’s hard, but I’m going call out one of the newest knockouts because she’s a friend of mine and I love her and she’s hilarious.
I’m going to say Indy Hartwell. I think she would have a great reach advantage. She’s strong. She’s athletic. She’s young. She’s got the personality as well.
Pro Wrestling Post asked what advice she would give to the recently released WWE Superstars, as well as those who have lost their jobs in the public and private sectors?
“Thank you for asking that. I do think it’s an important question. First and foremost, I would say stay above the noise.
I think a lot of the time you can kind of get, if you’re going through something difficult, like losing a job, stuck in the now and the icky feeling of rejection.
Just remember what got you where you were in the first place and it’s never the end. We are all created different and there’s only one you.
You can’t try and be anybody else. You won’t fit in their place. So just hone your uniqueness and your individuality and realize that there’s only one you and no one can replace that.
So, Chapter Two is what I’m calling my next venture and I encourage everyone to think of it the same way.
Maybe it happened for a reason because you were in the wrong place? Maybe there’s something better on the other side?
I feel like believing in yourself before everybody else is kind of my superpower that I’ve always lived by. So, there’s going to be doubters out there no matter what level of the game you’re at.
Block out the hate. Do what you know you can do best because only you know what you’re truly capable of. The rest only see it once you win.
What unique insights are you hoping to bring to the commentary booth, and do you think there’s a different dynamic when it comes to all men’s and all women’s commentary?
“I have unique insights into the world of female fighters, drawing from my experience as a female fighter.
There is a distinct difference in the movement and approach between women and men in MMA. As someone who has competed in the featherweight division.
I’ve experienced challenges due to the limited number of women in my weight class. This disparity in movement and strategy is often misunderstood by those observing from the outside.
When asked how her various roles in professional wrestling has prepared her as a commentator for Invicta,
“In my 10 years at WWE, I learned a valuable skill – improvisation. With live shows and no second takes, forgetting lines meant thinking on your feet.
Receiving a last-minute script (i.e., 15-20 minutes before showtime) taught me confidence and quick thinking.
Since you have this partnership with Invicta and TNA wrestling, is there any chance that you will make an appearance to kind of bring over some fans from TNA over to Invicta?
“Wait, there’s a partnership or association? I’m joking, I’m joking. I think that there’s a huge opportunity for crossover. We had TNA X-Division Champion, Moose at the last event. So that was really cool. And I don’t know, maybe I’ll go to a TNA event soon. Who knows? Maybe I’ll bring Megan with me.
Invicta FC 62 aired on CBS Sports Network at 8PM. ET/7PM CT. The night’s preliminary card will stream live on Invicta’s official YouTube Channel and Facebook Page at 6:30PM ET/5:30PM CT.
The scheduled lineup for Invicta FC 62 included:
Bantamweight: Katharina Lehner vs. Olga Rubin
Flyweight: DeAnna Bennett vs. Rayla Nascimento
Flyweight: Milana Dudieva vs. Amanda Torres
Strawweight: Ashley Yoder vs. Abril Anguiano
Flyweight: Ashley Barrett vs. Quinn Williams
Flyweight: Charlsey Maner vs. Alex Lawal
