Stepping up on short notice to replace Polyana Viana, Loopy Godinez faced off with Emily Ducote on the UFC Vegas 73 main card.
The fight was a battle of strawweight champions outside the UFC, as Godinez held LFA gold prior to joining the promotion, while Ducote had secured the same in Invicta FC. One that found Godinez entering off the biggest win of her career, over Cynthia Calvillo.
Early on, Godinez found some success with her right hand, lobbing overhands while Ducote mostly stayed on the outside. No level changes, no clinches, just a kickboxing battle that had Loopy slightly ahead played out through the first round. Ducote came on a little stronger towards the final minute, and would be the first to blink and finally shoot a takedown — stuffed.
Round two saw more stand-up action play out, with Loopy holding the edge in volume. Ducote mixed in low kicks and a push kick, and once again seemed to get better as the round went on. Godinez launched a high kick with about 90 seconds left, but that missed the mark.
The calf kick would be there for Emily Ducote in the third, in a fight that had become much closer than it had started out. Towards the end of the round, they’d briefly go to the ground in a throw, but neither woman was able to gain top control, and they popped right back. A second, single-leg takedown attempt for Loopy Godinez landed, however, and she finished the fight on top.
Official Result: Loopy Godinez def. Emily Ducote by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
