By Frank Bonada
Two former IMMAF champions are set to clash in the pro ranks as Magdalena Czaban (Poland) vs. Hope Holmes (USA) has been officially announced for Invicta 58.
This highly anticipated matchup between two rising stars in women’s MMA promises to be a thrilling showcase of elite talent, cultivated through their time on the IMMAF circuit.
Magdalena Czaban, a former IMMAF Continental and World Champion, is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most promising MMA prospects. With an impressive amateur record of 22-2, the Polish standout dominated two weight divisions during her IMMAF tenure.
Czaban, known as ‘Atomówka’, built her reputation by defeating top prospects such as Delphine Benouaich (France), Josefine Modig (Sweden), and Songül Karatorak (Germany). Her victories solidified her status as one of IMMAF’s most successful female athletes of all time.
Czaban’s crowning moment came at the 2022 IMMAF World Championships, where she stamped her name in the IMMAF history books by becoming both a Senior and Junior World Champion, alongside her three European titles. This monumental achievement marked the conclusion of her remarkable amateur career as she transitioned to the professional ranks.
Czaban made her pro debut in March 2024, swiftly defeating Camila Curutchet via rear-naked choke at CAVEMMA 4.
Standing across from Czaban will be Hope Holmes, a former IMMAF Senior Pan American Champion from the USA. While Holmes’ amateur record of 9-5 may not appear as polished as Czaban’s, her performance at the 2023 IMMAF Pan American Championships proved her talent and potential for success in the pro ranks.
After reaching the finals of the Senior Atomweight division, Holmes faced fellow Team USA standout Abigail Alvarez, a two-time IMMAF Youth World Champion and one of the top athletes in her weight class.
Holmes, however, had a point to prove, applying early pressure and never letting up. In a well-rounded performance, Holmes became the first amateur athlete to defeat Alvarez, claiming Pan American gold in the process. Alvarez later went on to win the 2024 IMMAF Pan American Championship, while Holmes made the decision to turn pro.
Initially, rumors swirled about a potential pro debut for Holmes against Czaban under the Peak Fighting banner. However, the fight did not materialize, and Holmes instead faced Amanda Lovato at Peak Fighting 38, securing a unanimous decision victory in her debut.
With both fighters now holding 1-0 professional records, Invicta FC moved quickly to sign them to its impressive roster of female MMA talent.
As former IMMAF champions, Czaban and Holmes have honed their skills in the world’s top amateur competitions, and they will bring their championship-level experience to Invicta FC 58. This fight not only represents a battle between two elite athletes but also underscores IMMAF’s crucial role in developing the next generation of MMA talent.
Fans can expect a high-level contest as these two former champions put everything on the line, with the winner taking a crucial step forward in their professional careers.
