The kind of moment we only get with @InvictaFights, an emotional @laurasanko interviews a heavy-hearted @PearlGonzalez following a dominant victory in honor of her late father.#InvictaFC31 #UFCFIGHTPASS pic.twitter.com/n7kPubILPA
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) September 2, 2018
For a long time, all Pearl Gonzalez was remembered for was being the girl who was almost forced out of her UFC fight due to breast implants.
Now, Gonzalez is changing that narrative and it’s time for Invicta FC to capitalize.
The 32-year-old moved to 3-0 since signing with Invicta FC by scoring a decision over Daiane Firmino Saturday night at Invicta FC 31. The event aired live on UFC Fight Pass from the Scottish Rite Temple in Kansas City.
Overall, Gonzalez is now 9-3 in her career, with two of those three defeats coming inside the Octagon.
She has a great look, an out-spoken personality and is piling up wins. When it comes to promoting a fighter, those are three key areas that make for a future star.
Weigh in look pic.twitter.com/gWrxQdzov4
— Pearl Gonzalez (@PearlGonzalez) September 1, 2018
Back at UFC 210, the New York State Athletic Commission pulled Gonzalez from a fight with Cynthia Calvillo after she weighed in due to having breast implants. Hours later, the decision was reversed and she was allowed to fight, falling via third round submission.
All of that obviously played into her head, but it’s also served as a wake-up call and driving force to take care of business once the door closes and focus on the task at hand.
Gonzalez did that once more vs. Firmino, showing a nasty streak with her aggressive side.
One quote from her post-fight interview that really stood out involved her father, who recently passed away.
“Nobody is taking this shit from me,” Gonzalez said. “Fighting is my life. This is all I have.”
Spoken like someone ready to become a champion.
Here are complete results from Invicta FC 31:
Virna Jandiroba def. Janaisa Morandin via submission (arm-triangle choke) at 2:23 of Round 2 to remain Invicta FC strawweight champion
Pearl Gonzalez def. Daiane Firmino via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-27)
Lisa Spangler def. Shanna Young via split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)
Mallory Martin def. Ashley Nichols via TKO at 1:05 of Round 3
Miranda Maverick def. Victoria Leonardo via submission (armbar) at 3:26 of Round 1
Kelly D’Angelo def. Lindsey VanZandt via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Kay Hansen def. Helen Peralta via TKO at 4:16 of Round 3
Audrey Wolfe vs. Holli Salazar declared a draw (28-28, 28-28, 28-28)