Emily Ducote

Emily Ducote is a 30-year-old strawweight grappler from San Jose who built her resume through Bellator and Invicta FC before joining the UFC in 2022. A black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and former Invicta FC Strawweight Champion, she earned her credential with a devastating first-round knockout of UFC veteran Danielle Taylor at Invicta FC 44, then successfully defended her title against Alesha Zappitella. Her fighting style is anchored in submission grappling and wrestling; she has posted four submission wins (three rear-naked chokes, one armbar) and boasts 94% takedown defense, indicating a fighter who dictates position and pace on the ground while maintaining sharp striking at distance.

Ducote made her UFC debut in July 2022 against Jessica Penne, replacing an injured opponent and winning a competitive decision in her first Octagon appearance. Since then, she has faced a gauntlet of strawweight competition including ranked foe Angela Hill (loss via unanimous decision) and rising prospect Vanessa Demopoulos (recent split-decision loss in May 2024). Her record in the UFC stands at 5 wins and 4 losses, with 7 wins in her last 11 overall, reflecting a fighter in the middle tier who remains active and competitive despite uneven results against top-15 opposition.

What draws fans to Ducote is her technical grappling and finishing instinct combined with a humble, process-driven persona. She trained taekwondo and wrestled in high school before finding MMA in Oklahoma, where she committed fully to the sport and earned her BJJ black belt in 2022 while competing professionally. Her favorite techniques are the rear-naked choke and the cross, and she now teaches classes at her gym alongside her UFC career, embodying the working fighter ethos. For fans who appreciate submission-oriented grapplers with legitimate championship experience, Ducote offers the appeal of a respected veteran competing at the sport's highest level.