UFC women’s strawweight Jessica Aguilar was initially set to face off against Jodie Esquibel back at UFC Fight Night 131. However, on just hours notice, the fight was cancelled.
Aguilar was deemed unfit to compete by the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC), ultimately ending the match up. Later taking to social media, Aguilar claimed that she was pulled from the fight due to the condition of her lips.
“The commission had a concern regarding my lips and my use of chapstick during the physical exam prior to weigh-ins so they requested that I be cleared by a dermatologist. So right after weigh-ins the commission rush me to get clearance which I was granted by the dermatologist. But tonight, at the arena, the commission struck again and canceled the fight. You can’t reason with this commission, it kinda felted personal.”
New York State Department of State spokesperson Lee Park has since come forward with new details on the matter. Speaking to MMA Fighting, Park stated:
“Medical personnel identified a potentially contagious medical condition. For the safety of the impacted fighter and her opponent, the fight was called off. UFC medical personnel were also consulted and concurred with the decision.”
Park later claimed that Aguilar’s condition “worsened overnight,” leading to the fight cancellation despite the fighter’s medical clearance by a dermatologist.
“The reason the fight was canceled was because of the fighter’s condition on Friday.” Park continued.
