Despite recent setbacks, Juliana Lima feels no added pressure heading into Invicta FC 40

Juliana Lima has had mixed results in her last few fights, but she has aspirations for her second stint with Invicta FC.

Lima (10-6) headlines Invicta FC 40 on July 2 when she takes on Emily Ducote in Kansas City, Kan.

After dropping two straight to Tecia Torres and Randa Markos, Lima was released from the UFC. She returned to Invicta in 2019 and participated in the promotion’s “Phoenix Series” tournament, which crowned a new strawweight champion.

Lima picked up a split decision win over Danielle Taylor in her opening bout but was later eliminated by eventual tournament winner and current UFC strawweight Brianna Van Buren.

It was a learning experience for Lima, who’s been working on all aspects of her game ahead of her fight with Ducote.

“First, I fought and defeated Danielle Taylor and then I faced Brianna Van Buren,” Lima told MMA Junkie. “As it was a tournament, I didn’t know who would be next. My training for that event was primarily focused on Danielle, for whom I tried to prepare in every facet of the sport. With every training camp, we’re always changing things and improvising. …

“I don’t feel any pressure. When we do something we love, then fear, pressure, affliction, and anxiety disappear. I’ve been training everywhere – standup, takedowns and using my jiu-jitsu.”

Lima fell short in the tournament, but she still has her sights set on the title.

“I’m only thinking about the present,” Lima said. “What I want now is to win this fight. Then I can think of the future. I do have my eye on the Invicta belt.”