Emily Ducote bounced back in a big way on Saturday night.
The former Bellator MMA flyweight title challenger and more recently, Invicta FC strawweight title challenger returned to the win column with a unanimous decision victory over Juliana Lima. Lima, a former UFC fighter, was making her return to Invicta FC, having last competed there in 2013, at Invicta FC 5. The fight was Lima’s first post-UFC bout.
Ducote spoiled her homecoming, proving to be just a little too gritty, a little too powerful. That, and a couple of well-time takedowns sealed the deal.
In the co-main event, Alesha Zappitella wrestled her way to a split decision win over Lindsey VanZandt. The atomweight bout may have produced the next title contender.
The Invicta FC 40 show was stolen by Chelsea Chandler, however. Fighting at featherweight, Chandler put both her stand-up and submission game on display. Knocking down opponent Liv Parker early, Chandler jumped on the opportunity — and Parker — sinking in the rear-naked choke.
Check below for a gallery of highlights from the event!
Invicta FC 40: Ducote vs. Lima Results:
Emily Ducote def. Juliana Lima by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Alesha Zappitella def. Lindsey VanZandt by split decision (28-29, 29-27, 30-27)
Chelsea Chandler def. Liv Parker by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 1:05
Trisha Cicero def. Laura Gallardo by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Genia Goodin def. Shelby Koren by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
