SATURDAY NEWS DIGEST 4/8: Gonzales pulled due to implants, NYSAC comments on Cormier weigh-in, more (w/Henry Analysis)

By Cole Henry, MMATorch contributor

Daniel Cormier (photo credit Troy Taormina © USA Today Sports)

Pearl Gonzalez pulled due to implants?

A fight was reportedly nearly pulled from tonight’s UFC 210, but hardly for a usual reason. Pearl Gonzalez, who will be facing Cynthia Calvillo, was informed by the NYSAC that she would not be able to compete due to her breast implants, which the commission stated was a risk, due to the possibility of a rupture. She has obviously competed before, and will be allowed to compete after her doctor assured the commission that she is not at risk.

Henry’s Analysis: Well I’ll say that this is a first for me. It would have been a shame had this fight been cancelled, as this is a big opportunity for both women, on the main card. While I’m sure Pearl Gonzalez was hoping to make news, I doubt it was a scenario like this that she had in mind. Still though, she will be allowed to fight on, and in some strange way, this fiasco may actually get more eyes on her fight, just because of the added name recognition that comes with the news story.

NYSAC head comments on Daniel Cormier weigh in controversy

Following Daniel Cormier’s controversial weigh-in, which will no doubt eventually be dubbed “towel gate,” many question why the commission allowed the act to take place, and they now have an answer. According to NYSAC head Tony Giardina, he simply didn’t see it. He stated that because of his championship status, he was legally allowed a second attempt at the weigh in. When asked how Cormier managed to lose the weight in just over two minutes, Giardina stated that he was unaware, but that it was a legal weigh in, and the fight will continue.

Dana White: “Bisping vs. GSP will be at UFC 213 if it’s up to me.”

After weeks of speculation, we might finally have a date coming for the already announced Michael Bisping vs. Georges St. Pierre fight and it could be as early as July at UFC 213. Dana White said if it was up to him, the fight would take place at UFC 213. He mentioned that a few more details have to be worked out, but that the official announcement of date and venue could come as early as next week. GSP, the former Welterweight Champion, will be attempting to become just the fourth two division champion in UFC history after a three-year layoff. He will be moving up in weight to face Bisping, the current champion, and a man with a long list of folks just waiting to rip his head off.

Henry’s Analysis: This fight is fun, and I love the idea of GSP chasing a second belt here. But I don’t like the other fighters being left out in the cold. I want this fight to come as soon as possible so that we can move on and hopefully fix the logjam that has been created by some questionable booking decisions. UFC 213 seems logical, I guess, but then again, it’s hard to really know anything about GSPs side of things, and it leaves one wondering if the holdup has been a contract issue or if GSP simply wants more time to prepare. Regardless, this is a cool fight, and regardless of the outcome it will be interesting to see what the future of this division holds.

SATURDAY NOTEBOOK ITEMS…

-The UFC has announced that they will have back-to-back events for International Fight Week this coming July. A departure from the usual three, the Ultimate Fighter 25 finale will kick things off on Friday July 7, and UFC 213 will take place the following night.

-The teenager who shot and wounded former UFC fighter Mikey Burnett was sentenced today to 35 years in prison. Burnett had a close bought against Pat Miletich at UFC Brazil, for the Welterweight Championship, and later appeared on “The Ultimate Fighter: Comebacks” where he suffered a serious neck injury. Hopefully, he has recovered from his injuries and finds some relief in the justice that has been served.

-Nate Diaz will again face the Nevada Athletic Commission on Wednesday where he will hope to have his fine reduced. He is facing the fine due to the bottle throwing incident that took place with Conor McGregor before UFC 202.


NOW CHECK OUT YESTERDAY’S UPDATE: FRIDAY NEWS DIGEST 4/7: Gastelum removed from UFC 212, UFC 210 close-call, Bisping responds to criticism (w/Cole’s Analysis)

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