How breast implants nearly derailed a UFC bout
Media reports that Ultimate Fighting Championship straw-weight Pearl Gonzalez was pulled from a fight because of her breast implants have proved incorrect. But her implants did prompt a review before she was allowed to compete in a bout on Saturday night in Buffalo, New York.
Welcome to the somewhat bizarre intersection of cosmetic science and a violent sport. Welcome to America in 2017.
Gonzalez had been scheduled to take on Cynthia Calvillo as part of the UFC 210 event this weekend. There was, however, a potential catch: Gonzales apparently has breast implants.
According multiple reports, the New York State Athletic Commission's medical rulebook says “Due to the concern over rupture, boxers who have breast implants are not eligible to box in New York."
But, per ESPN.com, the commission released a statement Friday reading:
"After careful consideration and review, including a conversation with Pearl Gonzalez's treating physician, the Commission has determined that Ms. Gonzalez is medically cleared to participate in the UFC 210 event in Buffalo, NY."
UFC president Dana White also took to Twitter on Friday afternoon to confirm the fight will take place as planned.
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So, to recap: Fake boobs will not stop Gonzalez from attempting to beat up another woman for the enjoyment of others.
What a time, as they say, to be alive.
Sam Laird is Mashable's Senior Sports Reporter. He covers the wide, weird world of sports from all angles -- as well as occasional other topics -- from Mashable's San Francisco bureau. Before joining Mashable in November 2011, his freelance work appeared in publications including the New York Times, New York Times Magazine, Slam, and East Bay Express. Sam is a graduate of UC Berkeley and UC Santa Cruz, and basketball and burritos take up most of his spare time. Follow him on Twitter @samcmlaird.
