Emily Ducote is a renowned MMA fighter known for her impressive career in mixed martial arts. With a strong passion for combat sports, she has established herself as a formidable force in the ring. Born in Los Angeles, California, Ducote’s journey in MMA began at the age of 12 when she first started training in taekwondo.
Over the years, she has honed her skills in various disciplines, becoming a black belt in taekwondo as well as excelling in wrestling and jiu-jitsu. Her dedication to training and her natural talent propelled her to make her MMA debut in 2015, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey.
Competing in notable promotions such as Bellator and the UFC, Ducote has faced top-ranked opponents and has achieved significant victories throughout her career. Her skills and determination have earned her recognition and respect within the MMA community.
Early Training and Career Beginnings
Emily Ducote’s journey in MMA began with her training in taekwondo, which she started at a young age. She dedicated herself to mastering the discipline and earned a black belt in taekwondo, showcasing her commitment and determination.
During her high school years, Ducote expanded her skillset by adding wrestling to her training regimen. This additional training allowed her to develop a strong foundation in grappling and takedowns, complementing her striking abilities in taekwondo.
In college, Ducote’s passion for martial arts led her to study jiu-jitsu under the guidance of Giulliano Gallupi at American Top Team Oklahoma City. She dedicated herself to the art of jiu-jitsu and achieved the impressive milestone of earning a black belt in the discipline in 2022.
Emily Ducote made her professional MMA debut in 2015 as a talented strawweight fighter. Her early career showcased her versatility and determination, laying the groundwork for her future success in the sport.
Bellator Championship and Invicta FC Success
Emily Ducote’s career reached new heights when she competed for the inaugural Bellator Women’s Flyweight World Championship. Though she didn’t come out on top in that match, her performance showcased her skills and determination in the cage. Undeterred, Ducote returned to the strawweight division, where she achieved remarkable success in Invicta FC.
During her time in Invicta FC, Ducote captured the Strawweight Championship and defended it in three consecutive fights, solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with in the division. Her relentless work ethic and unwavering focus helped her secure victory against tough opponents and earned her the respect of the MMA community.
Emily Ducote’s accomplishments in both Bellator and Invicta FC demonstrate her ability to compete at the highest level of women’s MMA. Her tenacity and skill have made her a formidable opponent in the flyweight and strawweight divisions.
With her impressive performances in both promotions, Ducote caught the attention of the UFC, earning her a well-deserved debut in the world’s premier MMA organization. Her journey from Bellator to Invicta FC and now the UFC is a testament to her talent, hard work, and relentless pursuit of greatness in the sport.
UFC Debut and Notable Fights
Emily Ducote made her UFC debut at UFC on ABC: Ortega v Rodriguez, where she faced Jessica Penne. Ducote showcased her skills and came out victorious with a unanimous decision win. This win further solidified her position in the UFC and demonstrated her potential in the strawweight division.
Ducote has had several notable fights throughout her career, including matchups against Lupita Godinez, Angela Hill, and Ashley Yoder. These fights have tested her skills and determination, allowing her to grow and evolve as an MMA fighter. Ducote’s ability to compete at a high level against top-ranked opponents has garnered her respect within the MMA community.
“My UFC debut was a significant moment for me. It was an opportunity to showcase my abilities on a larger stage and prove that I belong among the best in the sport. Facing Jessica Penne was a tough challenge, but I was able to use my skills and strategy to secure the win. I’m grateful for the support I’ve received from my team and fans, and I’m excited to continue my journey in the UFC.” – Emily Ducote
As Ducote continues her career in the UFC, she looks forward to taking on new challenges and making her mark in the strawweight division. Her notable fights and victories serve as a testament to her talent and determination, and she remains focused on achieving further success in the sport.
Fight History and Record
Emily Ducote has built an extensive fight history over the course of her MMA career. She has faced off against numerous notable opponents, showcasing her skills and determination in the octagon. Her record reflects the challenges and victories she has experienced as a professional fighter, highlighting her growth and improvement over time.
Throughout her career, Ducote has gone head-to-head with esteemed competitors such as Lupita Godinez, Angela Hill, and Ashley Yoder. These fights have tested her abilities and provided invaluable learning experiences along the way. Ducote’s willingness to take on tough opponents demonstrates her commitment to pushing herself and continually evolving as a fighter.
Personal Struggles and Overcoming Adversity
Emily Ducote’s journey in the world of MMA has been marked by personal struggles and overcoming adversity. One of the challenges she has openly addressed is her struggles with weight gain and self-image. These challenges have even earned her the nickname “Gordinha,” meaning “fat” or “chubby” in Portuguese.
Despite the difficulties she has faced, Ducote’s story serves as an inspiration to others, showing that perseverance and self-acceptance are crucial in overcoming obstacles. She has been vocal about her journey and has become an advocate for body positivity and mental health in the MMA community.
“It’s not about how you look, it’s about what you can do. I’ve learned to love and appreciate my body for what it can accomplish in the cage. It’s been a journey, but now I embrace my ‘Gordinha’ nickname with pride.”
Achievements and Recognition
Emily Ducote’s impressive career in mixed martial arts has earned her significant achievements and recognition within the MMA community. Notably, she secured the Bellator Women’s Flyweight World Championship title, showcasing her skill and determination in the cage. This milestone victory solidified Ducote’s position as a top contender in her weight class and highlighted her ability to compete at the highest level.
In addition to her success in Bellator, Ducote also achieved the Invicta FC Strawweight Championship. This accomplishment further cemented her status as a formidable fighter and demonstrated her versatility across different weight divisions. Ducote’s skill set and adaptability have positioned her as a respected athlete in the MMA landscape.
“Winning the Bellator Championship and the Invicta FC Strawweight Championship are major milestones in my career. They represent the years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication that I have put into my training. I am honored to have achieved such recognition in the sport of MMA and will continue to strive for greatness in every fight.” – Emily Ducote