A strawweight fight between Pearl Gonzalez and Cynthia Calvillo is back on after Gonzalez was initially informed she wouldn’t be allowed to compete on Saturday’s UFC 210 card because has breast implants.
The New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC), which is overseeing the event since it takes place in in Buffalo, N.Y., has a rule in place that says female fighters aren’t allowed to compete if they have breast implants over safety concerns. The NYSAC informed Gonzalez of this after the 30-year-old made weight Friday morning for her UFC debut.
The UFC did not officially cancel the bout as they attempted to sort out the situation.
Gonzalez’s team provided the commission with medical documents and at approximately 4 p.m. ET, the NYSAC sent an email stating Gonzalez was medically cleared to participate at UFC 210 after “careful consideration and review, including a conversation with Pearl Gonzalez’s treating physician.”
Combat Sports Law’s Erik Magraken pointed out earlier in the day that the NYSAC’s prohibition of breast implants was written prior to mixed martial arts being made legal in the state in 2016.
“Due to the concern over rupture, boxers who have breast implants are not eligible to box in New York,” the NYSAC Medical Standards For Professional Boxers document reads. “Boxers who have had breast reduction surgeries are eligible to box.”
That document was last updated on Dec. 9, 2014, prior to MMA’s legalization in New York.
Nowhere in the NYSAC’s 79-page Approved Regulations document, which is where the state’s MMA regulations are listed, are breast augmentations mentioned. In Section 212.5. of the regulations it does state that “Female contestants shall wear a short sleeved (above the elbow) or sleeveless form-fitting rash guard and/or sports bra, and may wear approved chest protection during competition. No loose-fitting tops are allowed.”
Gonzalez is on a six-fight winning streak with four wins via armbar. Her matchup with Calvillo, who also made weight, is an anticipated one considering their aggressive styles. The two 115-pounders are scheduled to be the third featured bout on the main card.
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