5/20/2017, By Ray Vann Jr. – Contact: R.Vann@Slickstermgazine.com
Emily Ducote is a Bellator MMA fighter in the women’s flyweight division.  At the time of the this article Ducote has a record of 5 wins, 2 losses and no draws.  Of her wins, 3 were by submission, and 2 by decision.  Both of Ducote’s losses were by decision. And so, without further adieu, let’s see what she had to say:
What made you want to first get involved in fighting as a profession?
When I was a kid my grandma would always be watching MMA fights, we would sit there for hours and watch them together. She eventually convinced my mom to let me sign up for Tae Kwon Do and thats where I started my martial arts career. I wrestled in high school and moved to Oklahoma to wrestle in college, but I only wrestled for a little bit of college. I eventually found American Top Team in Oklahoma City and thats really where I decided I wanted to pursue MMA as a career, I have coaches that really know what they are doing and a great team and home here in OKC.
Has it been hard to break into the field as a woman? Have you faced any discrimination or anything of that sort from fans?
Since I have been fighting for Bellator, I have had a really good reaction from most MMA fans, it really surprised me how much support and positive comments I’ve gotten after all 4 of my fights. Of course we realize there will always be some people who have negative things to say, but we just ignore them and continue with what we are doing.
What was your first fight like? How did it turn out for you?
I lost my first professional fight by decision. Nobody likes to lose, especially a pro debut, but sometimes there are lessons we need to learn. I learned alot in that fight and was able to win 4 fights after that loss.
Who have been some of your inspirations and influences?
My family and team really believe in me, and that motivates and inspires me to be the best fighter I can be. Alot of people support you when you win, but the people who stick with you and support you through your losses are the most important people to have.
What has been the fight that sticks in your mind as most memorable? Why?
My first bellator fight really sticks in my mind because nobody knew me or my team, we just went there and showed up ready to perform fight night. That win was so special to me because its the fight that got me signed with Bellator and I am so happy to be a part of their promotion.
Your next fight is July 14 against Valerie LeTourneau on your home turf in Oklahoma. What can we expect to see from you there?
I’m really excited about my next fight, you can expect to see a better version of myself. Everything will be ready and sharp come fight day.
Are there any fighters in particular that you would love to go up against some day? If so, why?
I like to focus one fight at a time, there are so many girls in and out of the division that it can be overwhelming if you are worrying about fighting everybody else. I focus on my current opponent and that’s it.
Where do you see the future of women’s MMA?
I think WMMA is getting more and more popular which is great, I think that all the high level promotions will have to open up more divisions and sign more girls. It’s really an exciting time to be a part of womens MMA, especially in Bellator.
Is there anything else that you would like to tell your fans out there? Anything you would like them to know about you in particular that we didn’t mention?
I want to say thank you to all the fans I have, everyone that sends positive comments and messages. I really appreciate and love all the support, it motivates me and gets me excited to get back in the cage. I also want to give a special thank you to all my sponsors that support me and my fight career.
