BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) - Pearl Gonzalez’s fight at UFC 210 almost didn’t happen.
Gonzalez’s bout was temporarily in limbo Friday because of a New York state fight rule that bans fighters from competing with breast implants.
The rule states, “Due to the concern over rupture, boxers who have breast implants are not eligible to box in New York. Boxers who have had breast reduction surgeries are eligible to box.”
“They just said that breast implants were not allowed in this state. I was a little appalled,” Gonzalez said. “I put it in my paperwork. I’ve never lied about it.”
The UFC was kept informed of the situation and never canceled the fight.
“I looked at my team and I said there was no way this fight is off. We’re fighting,” Gonzalez said. “It’s out. There’s nothing I can do. I’m not going to dwell on this.”
But the breast ban was temporarily lifted and Gonzalez was scheduled to go ahead and make her UFC debut against Cynthia Calvillo on Saturday at the KeyBank Center.
UFC President Dana White tweeted , “THIS FIGHT IS ON!!!!”
The state athletic commission cleared Gonzalez to fight after talking to her physician and giving the issue “careful consideration and review.”
“I don’t think I wanted the world to know about my surgery,” she said. “I worked very hard to show how talented I am. I have a lot to bring to this division and that’s what I’d like to be known for.”
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