Unlikely Collaboration: Emily Ducote Joins Forces with Former Foe Angela Hill for UFC Vegas 73

When faced with defeat, Emily Ducote chose a different approach: collaboration. Following her loss to Angela Hill in December, Ducote (12-7, 1-1 UFC) decided to join forces with her rival. Despite her four-fight winning streak being broken and experiencing her first UFC loss at UFC on ESPN 42, Ducote saw an opportunity for growth.

“I actually had a chance to go out and train with Angela Hill and Jessica Penne this camp,” Ducote shared during Wednesday’s UFC Vegas 73 media day. “So before I even knew about the opponent change from Polyana Viana to Godinez, it’s cool.”

Originally, Ducote was scheduled to face Polyana Viana. However, Viana pulled out of the fight, leading to the short-notice match-up with Loopy Godinez (9-3, 4-3 UFC). Given the circumstances, the bout was agreed upon as a 120-pound catchweight, despite both fighters normally competing in the strawweight division.

As Ducote gears up for her fight, she remains grateful for the chance to train alongside Hill and Penne, recognizing the unique circumstances that led to this collaboration. It serves as a reminder of the camaraderie within the UFC and the support fighters extend to one another, even in the midst of preparing for their own battles.

Adding to the intrigue, Ducote and Hill will now share the same fight card. UFC Vegas 73, taking place this Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, will feature Angela Hill facing off against Mackenzie Dern in a highly anticipated strawweight battle. The fight between Hill and Dern has been elevated to headlining status, showcasing the talent and excitement within the division.

UFC Vegas 73 will have the main card airing live on ESPN+ from 7 pm ET, bringing fans a thrilling night of fights. Ducote’s presence on the same card as Hill adds an extra layer of excitement and symbolism to their training journey.