Surely someone could have told Pearl Gonzalez, and the UFC, about this stringent commission policy rule.
Gonzalez was absolutely pumped for her UFC debut and, after winning six fights on the bounce, was beyond excited about the biggest bout of her life.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BShONXrAuYL/?taken-by=pearlgonzalez&hl=en
The straw-weight was all set to face Cynthia Calvillo on the UFC 210 main card in Buffalo, New York on Saturday night.
She weighed in without any issues and was awaiting her opponent to make weight when she was informed by a New York State Athletic Commission official that she would not be allowed fight.
The NYSAC has a policy that does not allow fighters with breast implants to compete in the state. Interestingly, fighters who have had breast size reduction surgery are allowed to fight. Here is how the drama unfolded:
MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani sought clarification on the matter and shared this policy screengrab from NYSAC.
This is from the NYSAC rules, re: fighters with breast implants. pic.twitter.com/0SbkM3EkgI
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 7, 2017
As far as we know, right now, the fight is off but there are reports that the UFC is working behind the scenes to resolve the matter.
Miesha Tate, who has breast implants, was allowed fight at UFC 205 at New York City’s Madison Square Garden so there may have been a precedent set.
