Emily Ducote (9-6-0) used her ground game and some key striking to counter Julianna Lima (10-7-0, 1NC) in the main event of Invicta FC 40 Thursday night in Kansas City.
Lima used striking to bag the first round but Ducote started turning the tide in the second round with her wrestling.
Ducote’s momentum continued in the third, as she connected more often than her winded opponent. Lima’s right eye wore a big cut courtesy of her ground work.
The judges scored it 29-28, 29-28, and 29-28.
The win puts Ducote in the conversation for a possible strawweight title shot.
Kenai Andrews checks in with his thoughts on the card.
GENIA GOODIN VS. SHELBY KORENÂ
WINNER: GENIA GOODIN VIA UD (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
ANDREWS PREDICTION: GENIA GOODIN VIA UD
Andrews: A single fight’s experience proved to be a factor for Goodin.
TRISHA CICERO VS. LAURA GALLARDOÂ
WINNER: TRISHA CICERO VIA SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
ANDREWS PREDICTION: TRISHA CICERO VIA UD
Andrews: Another close one. Good short notice win for Trisha.
CHELSEA CHANDLER VS. OLIVIA PARKER
Chelsea Chandler drops her and then locks in the submission! The 209 doesn't play around! #InvictaFC40 pic.twitter.com/6dQGjdvh2c
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) July 3, 2020
WINNER: CHELSEA CHANDLER VIA SUBMISSION (RNC) R1 1:05
ANDREWS PREDICTION: CHELSEA CHANDLER VIA UD
Andrews:Â Chandler had a plane to catch.
ALESHA ZAPPITELLA VS. LINDSEY VANZANDT
WINNER: ALESHA ZAPPITELLA VIA SD (28-29, 29-27, 30-27)
ANDREWS PREDICTION: LINDSEY VANZANDT VIA UD
Andrews: Full marks to Zappitella for overcoming the striking of Lindsey with her ground game.
MAIN EVENT
EMILY DUCOTE VS. JULIANNA LIMA
Andrews: I like Ducote’s ground game to overtake Lima after some initial trouble.
Andrews Prediction: Emily Ducote va submission