{{Short description|American mixed martial artist}} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2021}} {{Infobox martial artist | name = Jillian DeCoursey | image = | image_size = | caption = | birth_name = | other_names = Lionheart | nationality = | fighting_out_of = Queens, New York, U.S.<ref name="Tapologyprofile" /> | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1984|07|26|mf=yes}} | birth_place = Queens, New York, U.S. | death_date = | death_place = | height = 5 ft 2 in<ref name="Tapologyprofile">{{Cite web |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/79011-jillian-decoursey |title=Jillian DeCoursey ("Lionheart") - MMA Fighter Page |website=Tapology.com |language=en |access-date=2018-08-09}}</ref> | weight = 105 lb | weight_class = Atomweight | reach = 63 in | style = BJJ, Kickboxing | rank = Black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Gregg DePasquale<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1584594739575541760|title=My goals have always been tk be @InvictaFights atomweight champion and to earn my BJJ black belt. Now I can say I've achieved both of my goals. I'm so honored to have been given my black belt from Gregg DePasquale and be the first female black belt from Long Island MMA|user=lionheartjill|author=Jillian DeCoursey|date=October 24, 2022}}</ref> | stance = Orthodox | teacher = | team = Ringsport Muay Thai<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |url=http://www.invictafc.com/portfolio-item/jillian-decoursey/ |title=Jillian DeCoursey – Invicta Fighting Championships |website=InvictaFC.com |language=en-US |access-date=2018-08-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1nZs03WG0Y|title= Jillian DeCoursey Interview |author=Carroll's Corner MMA Podcast|date=November 15, 2016|via=YouTube}}</ref> <br /> East Coast United (until 2018)<ref name=jl18>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XZ32d7fiUk|title= Jill Decoursey now training at Long Island MMA ahead of Invicta FC 28 this Saturday |date=March 19, 2018|author=James Lynch|via=YouTube}}</ref> <br /> Long Island MMA<ref name=jl18 /> | trainer = | years_active = 2017–2023 | kickbox_win = | kickbox_kowin = | kickbox_loss = | kickbox_koloss = | kickbox_draw = | kickbox_nc = | mma_kowin = 2 | mma_subwin = 1 | mma_decwin = 3 | mma_koloss = | mma_subloss = | mma_decloss = 4 | mma_draw = | mma_nc = | am_label = | am_win = | am_kowin = | am_subwin = | am_loss = | am_koloss = | am_subloss = | am_draw = | am_nc = | other = | occupation = | spouse = | relatives = | students = | university = University of Bridgeport <br /> Hunter College <br /> Iona University | url = | boxrec = | sherdog = 219035 }}
'''Jillian DeCoursey''' (born July 26, 1984) is an American former mixed martial artist. She competed in the atomweight division of the Invicta FC, where she is a former atomweight champion.<ref name="auto"/>
As of November 21, 2022, Sherdog ranks DeCoursey as the #4 atomweight in the world.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Critchfield |first1=Tristen |title=Sherdog's Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings - Women's Atomweight |url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/rankings/14/Sherdogs-Official-Mixed-Martial-Arts-Rankings-188506 |website=sherdog.com |access-date=24 November 2022}}</ref>
==Background== DeCoursey was born and grew up in Queens, New York, United States.<ref name=br17>{{cite podcast|url=https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3ByZWFrZXIuY29tL3Nob3cvNDc2NDg1MC9lcGlzb2Rlcy9mZWVk/episode/dGFnOnNvdW5kY2xvdWQsMjAxMDp0cmFja3MvMzQwMDkyMDMz|title=Interview: JILLIAN DECOURSEY|date=August 28, 2017|host=TJ De Santis}}</ref> DeCoursey started undergraduate studies at University of Bridgeport and graduated from Hunter College.<ref name=br17 /> She started Jiu-Jitsu after she finished competing in collegiate basketball at Hunter College.<ref name=br17 /> She later picked up Muay Thai and eventually transitioned to mixed martial arts.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite news |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2018/03/21/invicta-fc-28-jillian-decoursey-interview/ |title=Invicta FC 28's Jillian DeCoursey: "It's Just a Matter of Time" Before Atomweights In UFC |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2018-03-21 |work=Cageside Press |access-date=2018-08-09 |language=en-US}}</ref>
DeCoursey also eventually finished her postgraduate studies at Iona University, earning a master's degree and owns her counselling practice in mental health.<ref name="auto"/> == Mixed martial arts career ==
=== Early career === DeCoursey was signed by Invicta after amassing an amateur record of 8–1.<ref name="auto1"/> She was an IBJJF brown belt medalist.<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.awakeningfighters.com/athletes/jillian-decoursey/ |title=Jillian DeCoursey {{!}} MMA » BJJ {{!}} Awakening Fighters|work=Awakening Fighters|access-date=2018-08-09|language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Invicta Fighting Championships === DeCoursey made her promotional debut on August 31, 2017 at Invicta FC 25: Kunitskaya vs. Pa'aluhi against Ashley Medina.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Invicta-FC-25-Lineup-Finalized-with-Addition-of-Seven-Bouts-125463 |title=Invicta FC 25 Lineup Finalized with Addition of Seven Bouts |last=Sherdog.com |website=Sherdog |access-date=2018-08-09}}</ref> She won the fight via split decision.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.mmanews.com/invicta-fc-25-jillian-decoursey-defeats-ashley-medina-in-pro-debut/ |title=Invicta FC 25: Jillian DeCoursey Defeats Ashley Medina in Pro Debut • MMA News |date=2017-09-01 |work=MMA News |access-date=2018-08-09 |language=en-US}}</ref>
Her next fight came on March 24, 2018 at Invicta FC 28: Mizuki vs. Jandiroba against Rebekah Levine.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Invicta-FC-28-Lineup-Includes-Strawweight-Title-Fight-Pearl-Gonzalez-Debut-on-March-24-131825 |title=Invicta FC 28 Lineup Includes Strawweight Title Fight, Pearl Gonzalez Debut on March 24 |last=Sherdog.com |website=Sherdog |access-date=2018-08-09}}</ref> She won the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.fight-madness.com/invicta-fc-28-full-results/ |title=Invicta FC 28 FULL RESULTS |website=www.fight-madness.com |language=sl-SI |access-date=2018-08-09 |archive-date=August 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809122208/http://www.fight-madness.com/invicta-fc-28-full-results/ |url-status=usurped }}</ref>
On July 21, 2018, DeCoursey faced Alesha Zappitella, replacing Shino VanHoose,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.invictafc.com/2018/07/09/shino-vanhoose-out-jillian-decoursey-steps-in-against-alesha-zappitella-at-invicta-fc-30/ |title=Shino VanHoose Out, Jillian DeCoursey Steps in Against Alesha Zappitella at Invicta FC 30 {{!}} Invicta Fighting Championships|website=www.invictafc.com|date=July 9, 2018 |language=en-US|access-date=2018-08-09}}</ref> at Invicta FC 30: Frey vs. Grusander.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.axs.com/mma-alesha-zappitella-eyes-fight-with-alyse-anderson-132047 |title=MMA: Alesha Zappitella eyes fight with Alyse Anderson |work=AXS |access-date=2018-08-09 |language=en-US}}</ref>
For her next fight, DeCoursey fought outside of Invicta, being scheduled to face Katie Perez at CFFC 80. She won the fight by a third-round technical knockout.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Roybal |first1=Monica |last2=Seifert |first2=Derek |title=CFFC 80 fights for the troops |url=https://www.jble.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2027390/cffc-80-fights-for-the-troops/ |website=jble.af.mil |access-date=June 9, 2021}}</ref>
DeCoursey returned to Invicta to face Linda Mihalec at Invicta FC 39: Frey vs. Cummins II. DeCoursey won the fight by unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web |last1=La Monica |first1=Mark |title=LIMMA's Jillian DeCoursey wins Invicta FC 39 bout |url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/mixed-martial-arts/invicta-fc-jillian-decoursey-m33212 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211152318/https://www.newsday.com/sports/mixed-martial-arts/invicta-fc-jillian-decoursey-1.41671480 |url-status=live |archive-date=February 11, 2020 |work=Newsday |access-date=June 9, 2021}}</ref>
DeCoursey was scheduled to challenge the reigning Cage Fury FC Strawweight champion Elise Reed at CFFC 91.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Herbison |first1=Zac |title=Army vet and entrepreneur Elise Reed puts her title on the line at CFFC 91 |url=https://mma-prospects.com/2020/12/18/army-vet-and-entrepreneur-elise-reed-puts-her-title-on-the-line-at-cffc-91/ |website=mma-prospects.com |access-date=June 9, 2021}}</ref> Reed won the fight by unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tatum |first1=Rob |title=CFFC 91 Results: Sabatini Submits Stirn, Reed Edges DeCoursey |url=https://combatpress.com/2020/12/cffc-91-sabatini-vs-stirn-results/ |website=combatpress.com |access-date=June 9, 2021}}</ref>
DeCoursey was scheduled to participate in a one-night Invicta Phoenix Tournament to determine the next atomweight title challenger.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hannoun |first1=Farah |title=Invicta FC's Phoenix Tournament to determine No. 1 atomweight contender on June 11 |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/06/invicta-fc-phoenix-tournament-atomweight-june-11 |website=mmajunkie.usatoday.com |date=June 3, 2021 |access-date=June 9, 2021}}</ref> DeCoursey lost the quarterfinal bout against Linda Mihalec by split decision.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Al-Shatti |first1=Shaun |title=Invicta Phoenix Series 4 results: Jessica Delboni earns title rematch with one-night tournament win |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/6/11/22530550/invicta-phoenix-series-4-results-jessica-delboni-earns-title-rematch-with-one-night-tournament-win |website=mmafighting.com |date=June 11, 2021 |access-date=June 12, 2021}}</ref>
DeCoursey faced Lindsey VanZandt on May 11, 2022 at Invicta FC 47.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-30 |title=Emily Ducote vs. Alesha Zappitella strawweight title fight headlines Invicta FC 47 on May 11 |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/03/mma-news-emily-ducote-vs-alesha-zappitella-strawweight-title-invicta-fc-47-may-11 |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}</ref> She won the bout after knocking out VanZandt in the first round.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bissell |first=Tim |date=2022-05-12 |title=Invicta FC 47 results and video: Emily Ducote defends title after splitting challenger's eyelid |url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2022/5/12/23066701/invicta-fc-47-results-and-video-mma-event-news-highlights-video-emily-ducote-alesha-zappitella |access-date=2022-05-12 |website=Bloody Elbow |language=en |archive-date=May 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512120356/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2022/5/12/23066701/invicta-fc-47-results-and-video-mma-event-news-highlights-video-emily-ducote-alesha-zappitella |url-status=dead }}</ref>
====Invicta FC Atomweight Champion==== DeCoursey was booked to challenge the reigning Invicta Atomweight champion Jéssica Delboni at Invicta FC 49: Delboni vs. DeCoursey on September 28, 2022.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Anderson |first1=Jay |title=Invicta FC: Jessica Delboni vs. Jillian DeCoursey Atomweight Title Fight Set for Sept. 28 |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/07/20/invicta-fc-jessica-delboni-vs-jillian-decoursey-atomweight-title-fight-set-sept-28/ |website=cagesidepress.com |access-date=21 July 2022 |date=20 July 2022}}</ref> DeCoursey won the fight by a first-round submission.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Critchfield |first1=Tristen |title=Jillian DeCoursey Submits Jessica Delboni, Captures Atomweight Crown at Invicta FC 49 |url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Jillian-DeCoursey-Submits-Jessica-Delboni-Captures-Atomweight-Crown-at-Invicta-FC-49-188086 |website=sherdog.com |access-date=29 September 2022 |date=28 September 2022}}</ref>
DeCoursey was scheduled to defend the title against Rayanne dos Santos on May 3, 2023, at Invicta FC 53: DeCoursey vs. Dos Santos.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/03/16/invicta-fc-53-announced-may-decoursey-defend-atomweight-title/|title=Invicta FC 53 announced for May, DeCoursey to defend Atomweight title|website=Cageside Press|author=Jay Anderson|date=2023-03-16|access-date=2023-03-17}}</ref> She lost the title fight by unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/05/invicta-fc-53-decoursey-vs-dos-santos-results-and-live-video-stream|title=Invicta FC 53 results and live video stream|publisher=MMA Junkie|date=May 4, 2023|accessdate=May 4, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Rayanne-Amanda-dos-Santos-Nets-Atomweight-Title-in-Dominant-Invicta-53-Decision-189895|title=Rayanne Amanda dos Santos Nets Atomweight Title in Dominant Invicta 53 Decision|publisher=Sherdog|first=Brian|last=Knapp|date=May 3, 2023|accessdate=May 4, 2023}}</ref>
On January 22, 2026, DeCoursey announced her retirement from MMA completion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |date=2026-01-22 |title=Former Invicta FC Atomweight champ Jillian DeCoursey Retires |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2026/01/22/former-invicta-fc-atomweight-champ-jillian-decoursey-retires/ |access-date=2026-01-23 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Professional grappling career== DeCoursey was invited to compete in the flyweight division of the Combat Jiu-Jitsu world championship on December 20, 2020.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Burne |first1=Kathrine |title=Combat Jiu Jitsu Female Flyweights Lineup Announced |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/combat-jiu-jitsu-female-flyweights-lineup-announced/ |website=JitsMagazine |date=November 7, 2020 |access-date=20 March 2023}}</ref> She withdrew from the event.
DeCoursey is scheduled to compete in a superfight at Rise Invitational 11 on April 1, 2023 against Chelsea Mapa.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jones |first1=Phil |title=Rise Invitational 11 To Feature UFC Veterans And Top BJJ Competitors |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/rise-invitational-11-to-feature-ufc-veterans-and-top-bjj-competitors/ |website=JitsMagazine |date=March 20, 2023 |access-date=20 March 2023}}</ref> Neither woman was able to secure a submission and the match ended in a draw.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rise Invitational 11 Full Results And Review |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/rise-invitational-11-full-results-and-review/ |website=JitsMagazine |date=April 4, 2023 |access-date=4 April 2023}}</ref>
== Championships and accomplishments ==
=== Mixed martial arts ===
* '''Invicta Fighting Championships''' ** Invicta FC Atomweight Championship (One time)
== Mixed martial arts record == {{MMArecordbox |nc= |ko-wins=2 |ko-losses= |sub-losses= |sub-wins=1 |dec-wins=3 |dec-losses=4 |dq-wins= |dq-losses= |other-wins= |other-losses= }} {{MMA record start}} |- |{{no2}}Loss |align=center| 6–4 |Rayanne dos Santos |Decision (unanimous) |Invicta FC 53 |{{dts|2023|May|3}} |align=center|5 |align=center|5:00 |Denver, Colorado, United States |{{small|Lost the Invicta FC Atomweight Championship.}} |- |{{yes2}}Win |align=center| 6–3 |Jéssica Delboni |Submission (rear-naked choke) |Invicta FC 49 |{{dts|2022|September|28}} |align=center|1 |align=center|4:49 |Hinton, Oklahoma, United States |{{small|Won the Invicta FC Atomweight Championship.}} |- |{{yes2}}Win |align=center| 5–3 |Lindsey VanZandt |KO (punch) |Invicta FC 47 |{{dts|2022|May|11}} |align=center|1 |align=center|1:01 |Kansas City, Kansas, United States |{{small|Return to Atomweight.}} |- | {{no2}}Loss | align=center| 4–3 | Elise Reed | Decision (unanimous) | Cage Fury FC 91 | {{dts|2020|December|18|format=mdy}} | align=center| 4 | align=center|5:00 | Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States | {{small|Strawweight debut. For the vacant Cage Fury FC Strawweight Championship.}} |- | {{yes2}}Win | align=center| 4–2 | Linda Mihalec | Decision (unanimous) | Invicta FC 39 | {{dts|2020|February|7|format=mdy}} | align=center| 3 | align=center|5:00 | Kansas City, Kansas, United States | |- | {{yes2}}Win | align=center| 3–2 | Katie Perez | TKO (punches) | Cage Fury FC 80 | {{dts|2019|November|22|format=mdy}} | align=center| 3 | align=center| 3:00 | Hampton, Virginia, United States | |- | {{No2}}Loss | align=center| 2–2 | Kelly D'Angelo | Decision (unanimous) | Invicta FC 35 | {{dts|2019|June|7|format=mdy}} | align=center| 3 | align=center|5:00 | Kansas City, Missouri, United States | |- | {{No2}}Loss | align=center| 2–1 | Alesha Zappitella | Decision (unanimous) | Invicta FC 30 | {{dts|2018|July|21|format=mdy}} | align=center| 3 | align=center|5:00 | Kansas City, Missouri, United States | |- | {{yes2}}Win | align=center| 2–0 | Rebekah Levine | Decision (unanimous) | Invicta FC 28 | {{dts|2018|March|24|format=mdy}} | align=center| 3 | align=center|5:00 | Salt Lake City, Utah, United States | |- | {{yes2}}Win | align=center| 1–0 | Ashley Medina | Decision (split) |Invicta FC 25 | {{dts|2017|August|31|format=mdy}} | align=center| 3 | align=center|5:00 | Lemoore, California, United States |{{small|Atomweight debut.}} |- {{end}}
== See also == * List of female mixed martial artists
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == * {{Sherdog|219035|Jillian DeCoursey}} * [https://invictafc.com/portfolio-item/jillian-decoursey/ Jillian DeCoursey] at Invicta FC * {{ESPN MMA|4243630|Jillian DeCoursey}} * {{IMDb name|9243591|Jillian DeCoursey}} * {{Twitter|lionheartjill|Jillian DeCoursey}}
{{S-start}} {{S-ach}} {{Succession box | title = 8th Invicta FC Atomweight Champion | years = September 28, 2022 – May 3, 2023 | before = Jéssica Delboni | after = Rayanne dos Santos }} {{S-end}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:DeCoursey, Jillian}} Category:1984 births Category:Living people Category:American female mixed martial artists Category:Atomweight mixed martial artists Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Muay Thai Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing kickboxing Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu Category:American female Muay Thai practitioners Category:American female Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners Category:People awarded a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu Category:21st-century American women