UFC Vegas 73 Fight Preview: Emily Ducote vs. Loopy Godinez – Keys to Victory for Catchweight Showdown

This Saturday, May 20, 2023, the UFC Apex in Las Vegas will witness an electrifying 120-pound catchweight showdown between Emily Ducote and Loopy Godinez. Originally slated as a strawweight bout, this matchup came together on short notice after Ducote’s initial opponent, Polyana Viana, pulled out. Set to take place on the main card, airing from 7pm ET on ESPN+, UFC Vegas 73 promises to deliver an intense battle between these skilled fighters.

Emily Ducote, with a professional record of 12-7 and a UFC record of 1-1, has established herself as a formidable force in the world of mixed martial arts. Making her UFC debut in July 2022, Ducote showcased her skills with an impressive decision victory over former title challenger Jessica Penne. Despite a loss to the event’s headliner, Angela Hill, in December, Ducote’s determination and experience make her a resilient competitor at the age of 29. With a background in organizations like Bellator and Invicta FC, Ducote brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the octagon.

Loopy Godinez, also known as Lupita Godinez, holds a professional record of 9-3-0, including a UFC record of 3-3. Her UFC journey began in April 2021, where she suffered a setback in her debut against Jessica Penne. However, Godinez quickly rebounded with a first-round armbar submission victory over Silvana Gomez Juarez. Known for her willingness to take fights on short notice and stay active in the sport, Godinez has earned the respect and support of fans. At 29 years old, she possesses the skills and determination to make a mark in the division.

Now, let’s delve into the keys to victory for each fighter:

Emily Ducote’s Keys to Victory:

1. Utilize her well-rounded skill set: Ducote should leverage her experience from various organizations to showcase a versatile approach, seamlessly transitioning between striking and grappling.
2. Capitalize on her reach advantage: Ducote should utilize her reach advantage to control the distance, imposing her striking and grappling techniques on Godinez.
3. Showcase effective cage control: Ducote should aim to control the pace and positioning of the fight, utilizing the cage to her advantage and stifling Godinez’s offense.
4. Maintain composure and cardio: Ducote must display composure and maintain a high level of cardio throughout the fight, as both fighters have the potential to engage in a fast-paced battle.

Loopy Godinez’s Keys to Victory:

1. Impose relentless pressure: Godinez should utilize her aggressive fighting style to close the distance and put Ducote on the back foot, overwhelming her with continuous pressure and strikes.
2. Capitalize on short-notice opponent vulnerabilities: Known for taking fights on short notice, Godinez can exploit any potential weaknesses or lack of preparation in Ducote’s game plan.
3. Utilize superior grappling skills: Godinez should look to take the fight to the ground, where she can leverage her grappling prowess to secure dominant positions, work for submissions, or unleash ground-and-pound.
4. Display intelligent striking: Godinez must mix her strikes effectively, showcasing a combination of power shots and technical striking to keep Ducote guessing and unable to find a rhythm.

As the UFC Vegas 73 event unfolds, fans can anticipate an evening filled with thrilling fights, including the highly anticipated catchweight clash between Emily Ducote and Loopy Godinez. With both fighters hungry for victory, the octagon will bear witness to a captivating display of skill, determination, and heart. This exciting matchup is set to take place on the main card, airing on ESPN+ from 7pm ET, ensuring that fight enthusiasts worldwide won’t miss a moment of the action.