5 minute read
WOMEN WARRIORS RELENTLESS
By Sumiko Nakano
Jillian DeCoursey didn’t begin her Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) journey with aspirations of championships or fame. Instead, it started as a way to stay active after years of playing competitive sports
Growing up, she was always involved in athletics, but after college, she sought something more challenging— something that could push her physically and mentally. What began as a search for fitness quickly evolved into a career filled with hard-earned victories and a deep love for the sport.
Initially focused on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where she enjoyed success in tournaments, Jillian didn’t expect to transition to MMA. She had found a passion for grappling, but her coach saw untapped potential in her.
One day, during a regular training session, he asked if she wanted to try an MMA fight. That simple question would change her trajectory. Jillian agreed, took on her first fight, and won.
It was in that moment she realized MMA had something unique to offer. What started as casual training soon became a life-defining passion, as the sport allowed her to blend the physical challenges, she craved with the mental strategy required in competition.
Her early days in MMA weren’t without their difficulties. Just months into her training, Jillian suffered a serious knee injury that required surgery, setting her back significantly. She recovered, only to break her collarbone soon after. These injuries tested her resolve and could have ended her MMA journey. However, each setback only strengthened her determination. Jillian pushed through the pain and learned valuable lessons about perseverance.
Every challenge helped her develop the mental toughness and resilience that would become central to her identity as a fighter.
At 38, when many athletes are winding down, Jillian experienced the pinnacle of her career: winning the Invicta FC Atomweight Championship.
This victory felt like a dream realized— a fairytale moment she hadn’t thought possible when she first stepped into the MMA world. Her journey to this title was marked by pivotal moments: her first amateur fight that sparked her love for the sport, her professional debut, and her unforgettable knockout of Lindsey VanZant.
Yet none were more significant than her rear-naked choke finish over Jessica Delboni, a defining moment that earned her the Invicta title and cemented her status as a champion.
Over the years, Jillian’s evolution as a fighter has been remarkable. Initially, she was primarily a grappler, relying on her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background. However, she transformed into a wellrounded fighter through dedication and constant improvement, integrating striking into her skillset.
5'2" (157cm)
This transformation wasn’t easy. It took years of hard work and a willingness to grow. She became increasingly selective about the opportunities she took, always keeping long-term success in mind.
Mental preparation and recovery also became central to her approach, as she learned to balance the rigors of training with the need to rest and recharge.
Outside of fighting, Jillian’s life is rich with activities that keep her grounded. She is an avid snowboarder, hiker, and traveler, always seeking new adventures and experiences.
These passions give her the space to disconnect from the pressures of competition and focus on the simple joys of life. In addition to her athletic pursuits, Jillian runs her own private practice as a licensed mental health counselor. Helping others navigate their mental health challenges is deeply fulfilling and provides her with a sense of balance.
This dual career allows her to give back to others while maintaining her own well-being, both physically and mentally.
Throughout her MMA career, Jillian has faced many setbacks, but what has kept her going is her love for the sport. For her, fighting has never been about fame or money—it’s about passion, self-discovery, and the sheer joy of competition.
Over time, she has learned to embrace both the victories and the losses, knowing that each moment is part of a larger journey.
Every fight, every injury, every triumph, and every setback has contributed to her growth as a fighter and a person. She now looks back at those moments of hardship and sees them as crucial learning experiences that helped shape her into the athlete she is today. With this mindset, she continues to move forward, both inside and outside the cage, with the same relentless drive that has earned her the nickname "Lionheart."
As I listened to Jillian recount her journey, I was struck by her unwavering resilience. She embodies the essence of a true fighter—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.
Her dedication to the sport, combined with her ability to persevere through adversity, is a testament to what is possible when you follow your passion with unwavering commitment. Jillian’s story is a powerful reminder that success is not just about the wins, but about the lessons learned along the way.
As her MMA career continues, I look forward to seeing where her relentless pursuit takes her next. With her "Lionheart" spirit, there’s no doubt that Jillian DeCoursey will continue to inspire both in and out of the cage.
Sumiko Nakano
