Loopy Godinez stepped up at short notice to replace Polyana Viana, and faced Emily Ducote on the UFC Vegas 73 main card.
The fight was a battle between straw champions outside the UFC, with Godinez holding LFA gold before joining the promotion, while Ducote earned the same at Invicta FC. One that found Godinez entering the biggest win of her career, over Cynthia Calvillo.
Early on, Godinez found some success with her right hand, as she was left handed while Ducote stayed mostly out. No level changes, no wins, just a boxing fight that Loopy had gotten a little ahead of during the first round. Ducote came in a bit stronger in the final minute, and would be the first to blink and finally launch a takedown – stuffed.
The second round saw more standing action, with Loopy pinning the edge in volume. Ducote mixed in with low kicks and a drive kick, and again seemed to be improving as the round went on. Godinez fired a high kick with 90 seconds left, but it missed the target.
A calf kick would be there for Emilie Ducot in the third period, in a fight that became much closer than it was at the start. Towards the end of the round, they briefly went to the floor on a throw, but neither woman was able to have much control, and they came right back. However, a second one-leg attempt landed Loopy Godinez, ending the fight on top.
Official score: Loopy Godinez def. Emilie Ducot by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)