Emily Ducote looks to have a “sharp, smart performance” against Jessica Penne in UFC debut

In a lot of cases, making one’s UFC debut and fighting a ranked opponent as well as a former title contender could be daunting. Emily Ducote does not fit within that standard.

The gamesmanship shown by Ducote taking this bout as a replacement is not a surprise coming from the Invicta FC and Bellator MMA veteran. To take on this magnitude of test considering her overall MMA experience, seventeen fights as a professional, makes for an intriguing level of parity in what should be a quality fight.

Emily Ducote clashes with Jessica Penne at UFC Long Island. This strawweight contest goes down on July 16th from the UBS Arena.

There’s a lot of confidence from taking the route of hard fights and being battle tested as compared to people that go the route of padding their record. Ducote is not only experienced in competition but is also a diligent student of the game. As evidenced by her thoughts on Penne.

“So she came up through Invicta then she made her way into the UFC,” Ducote stated to The AllStar. “So I’m very familiar with her just because I watch, you know, all of the Invicta cards. Pretty much any high-level girl’s fight I’ll watch. So I’m very familiar with her. I do feel like she’s a really technical fighter which is something that I like. In my mind, there’s two types of fighters: more of like a brawler and more of like a technical person.

“She’s technical grappling. I feel like she wants to hit the ground. She’s not afraid to strike to get there, but I do feel like if she could have her way she would definitely want to be on the ground. SoI feel like she’s got some Judo. So judo and grappling is what I’m really expecting. But very technical style, high level for sure.”

The prediction for the Penne fight from Ducote is a measured and cerebral one. An assessment that indicates both a strong fight IQ and a level of composure heading into this big moment.

“I feel really good, especially my last few fights. So I’m just looking to go out there. I’ve just been sharpening everything up. Sharpening my strengths and my weaknesses. So I look to have a sharp, smart performance. I think it’s going to hit everywhere. I think it’ll be like a full MMA fight. I’m just looking to get out there, feel where I feel most successful, and just keep it there. And do whatever I need to do.”

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Fighter profile

Emily “Gordinha” Ducote is a 28-year-old female fighter from the United States with 11 pro wins and 6 losses. Ducote is scheduled to fight Jessica Penne at UFC on ABC 3: Ortega vs. Rodriguez on Saturday, July 16, 2022.

Emily Ducote’s recent form coming into this matchup

Emily Ducote has gone 4-1 in the last 5 professional MMA fights.

• Win vs Alesha Zappitella • KO/TKO R2 5:00 • 2022-05-11
• Win vs Danielle Taylor • KO/TKO R1 2:51 • 2021-08-27
• Win vs Juliana Lima • Decision R3 5:00 • 2020-07-02
• Loss vs Kanako Murata • Decision R5 5:00 • 2019-11-01
• Win vs Janaisa Morandin • KO/TKO R1 4:03 • 2019-08-09

Emily Ducote’s next opponent: Jessica Penne

Jessica Penne’s recent form coming into this matchup

Jessica Penne is a 39-year-old female fighter from the United States with 14 pro wins and 5 losses. Penne is scheduled to fight Emily Ducote at UFC Fight Night: Ortega vs. Rodriguez on Saturday, July 16, 2022.

Jessica Penne has gone 2-3 in the last 5 professional MMA fights.

• Win vs Karolina Kowalkiewicz • Submission R1 4:32 • 2021-08-07
• Win vs Lupita Godinez • Decision R3 5:00 • 2021-04-17
• Loss vs Danielle Taylor • Decision R3 5:00 • 2017-04-22
• Loss vs Jéssica Andrade • KO/TKO R2 2:56 • 2016-06-04
• Loss vs Joanna Jędrzejczyk • KO/TKO R3 4:22 • 2015-06-20

How to watch and bet on Emily Ducote vs Jessica Penne