NY allegedly pulls Jessica Aguilar from UFC Utica for ‘chapped lips’
Jessica Aguilar wont be fighting tonight at UFC Utica.
The strawweight veteran has been pulled from her fight with Jodie Esquibel at tonight’s UFC Utica. The decision to cancel the bout was made by the New York State Athletic Commission. MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani reported the news on Friday.
The NYSAC canceled the fight due to a medical concern with Aguilar. The issue with the former WSOF champion came up on Thursday, and according to sources, Aguilar was asked to get clearance by the doctors, which she did. The NYSAC confirmed that Aguilar had been given clearance, but yet on Friday decided to remove the 115-pound contest from the event.
The NYSAC confirmed the withdrawal with MMA Fighting, but did not give further explanation on the decision.
Aguilar told MMA Fighting that the reason for her removal was “chapped lips.”
“NY commission is horrible and don’t understand everything we go through to make it here,” Aguilar told Helwani. “It’s absolutely crazy and heartbreaking.”
With Aguilar vs. Esquibel scratched, UFC Utica will proceed as a 12-fight card.
Here’s a photo, taken moments ago and provided to me by Aguilar, of Aguilar and Esquibel backstage. She said they both agreed that they want to re-book the fight ASAP. They were already at the venue when they got the news. pic.twitter.com/Wa2Pf6CIps
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 1, 2018
The UFC released the following statement about Aguilar’s removal from the card.
“Due to a medical issue involving strawweight athlete Jessica Aguilar, the New York State Athletic Commission has cancelled her scheduled bout against Jodie Esquibel. Tonight’s UFC FIGHT NIGHT card will proceed with 12 bouts, beginning at 6:55 pm ET / 3:55 pm PT.”
Update: Aguilar went to Instagram to provide another update on the situation.