UFC women’s strawweight Jessica Aguilar was initially set to face off against Jodie Esquibel back on June 1. However, the fight never made it to the octagon.
On just hours notice, Aguilar was pulled from the match up. While Aguilar passed her medical examination and made weight for the match up, the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) ultimately pulled the fighter from the bout due to “chapped lips.”
Aguilar later took to Instagram to reveal details on the situation.
“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. I am hopeful the @UFC will rebook our fight ASAP.”
Speaking to MMA Fighting, Aguilar has now come forward to reveal that she is considering seeking legal action against NYSAC over the matter.
“I was the sacrificial lamb that day [in Utica]. It is what it is. I’ve been talking about it for the last month. It’s something my attorneys are dealing with. I’m moving forward. I’m just thinking about my fight, what’s in front of me now. And I’m ready to get this over with.”
“It’s pretty hard to go against the commission. It’ll cost a lot of money. They just don’t think about how much they affect, not only my career, but my whole entire life, my reputation that I’ve always had clear. Just everything. I don’t know why [NYSAC executive director Kim Sumbler] did that, but they’re taking care of that right now. Right now, all I want to focus on is my fight Saturday and leave that up to the attorneys and see what they can do about it.”
“I’m gonna go out very aggressive and I’m looking for the finish. Either via KO or submission, stoppage — it doesn’t matter. I’m gonna get the stop. I’m gonna stop the fight — somehow, some way. I’m gonna stop the fight and I’m going for that bonus.”
“It doesn’t matter. I’m gonna be ready for whatever comes my way. Just keep it coming and I’ll keep breaking the walls, I’ll keep dodging things that come my way. I’ve just gotta stay focused, focused on my game plan and winning. Everything else to the side. I know it’s been a rough year. Since I’ve gotten to the UFC, it hasn’t been as easy as I thought it was gonna be. It’s been a lot of ups and downs. But hey, that’s what this game is all about, that’s what life is all about and I’m just focused. I’m just staying focused and looking for the victory Saturday night.”
“I’m confident. I feel confident. I feel good out there. I’m having fun again. I see how I’ve improved in my training. And my experience, I have so much experience, I have so much skills. I have more fights than probably rounds put together that she’s trained, I’m not sure. But I’ve been doing this for a long time. Two losses and some injuries are not gonna hold me down. It’ll just make me stronger.”
Jessica Aguilar will be facing off against Jodie Esquibel at UFC Fight Night 133 in Boise, Idaho on Saturday, July 7.
