Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship has a new and recognizable name joining their ranks. The organization announced today that they have signed MMA veteran Pearl Gonzalez to a contract with the organization. She is expected to make her debut at BKFC’s event on May 21 in Miami.
Excited for this! Welcome to the company @PearlGonzalez pic.twitter.com/5GSeiO1XRn
— Bare Knuckle FC (@bareknucklefc) April 22, 2021
“Pearl is a tremendous addition to our growing list of female fighters,” said Dave Feldman, President of BKFC. “Her best skillset is striking which makes this the perfect transition for her career. She’s very popular in the combat sports world both for her fighting ability in addition to commentating on different platforms and we can’t wait to start working with her.”
The “Chi-Town Princess” teased the move yesterday in a tweet.
Relaxing before my big move yesterday. Any guesses on where I am now?
pic.twitter.com/PmY8AP0ziv
— PEARL GONZALEZ (@PearlGonzalez) April 21, 2021
Pearl Gonzalez Signs with BKFC
The 34 year old Pearl Gonzalez most has most recently competed in submission grappling contests. In December, she was submitted by Gillian Robertson at Submission Underground 20. A month prior, she won her opening round bout to Andrea Vasquez at Combat Jiu Jitsu Worlds: The Female Flyweights, but lost to eventual champion Brianna Ste-Marie in the semifinals. She has also frequented the commentary desk, becoming a regular play-by-play analyst for the aforementioned CJJ Worlds and iKON Fighting Federation.
Commentating for @ikonfightingfederation LIVE NOW on @ufcfightpass!!! pic.twitter.com/bMfPNLhAaU
— PEARL GONZALEZ (@PearlGonzalez) April 3, 2021
Gonzalez’s most recent MMA outing came for Invicta FC in February 2020, a losing effort to a now-highly-touted UFC prospect in Miranda Maverick. She went 4-2 with the organization overall, beginning her tenure at strawweight before eventually moving up ten pounds to flyweight. As an MMA fighter, she holds a 10-5 record, but looks to chart a new course in her newest venture.
She has a close relationship with the famed Amanda Serrano, a dominant boxing champion who has also made two forays into MMA, so it can be assumed that the two have shared tips from their respective trades. They will continue to do so, as Gonzalez is planning on moving to Brooklyn to train full time with Serrano.
Said Gonzalez, “I made the biggest sacrifice of my life, packed up everything and moved to Brooklyn, New York permanently to train with the greatest female boxer in the world, Amanda Serrano. I promise to dedicate my life to becoming the next BKFC World Champ and couldn’t be happier to start this new chapter in my life!”
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Who Should Pearl Gonzalez Face?
The two names that automatically stand out as opponents are Paige VanZant and Britain Hart. Hart recently defeated VanZant by unanimous decision back in February. A matchup with either fighter makes sense: VanZant would be a high-profile name that would presumably be a great night of business for BKFC, while Hart likely serves as a better barometer for Pearl Gonzalez’s standing in her new sport as she looks to become a contender sooner rather than later.
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