The Invicta title challenger puts it all on the line this weekend, unfazed by her experienced and dangerous opponent.
Life hasn’t been easy for Pearl Gonzalez, as she’s had a long and difficult road in life before finding the sport of MMA. After going 3-0 as an amateur, she began her pro career to rack up a record that stands at 9-3. While she had some setbacks in the UFC, she’s been 3-0 since then and moved up to flyweight for her last two bouts.
Clearly this has made a difference, as Gonzalez has been notably improved. Training at Team Hurricane Awesome in San Diego with Strikeforce and UFC vet Liz Carmouche and Bellator flyweight champion Ilima-Lei MacFarlane, she’s managed to become more technical and efficient with her striking and submission game.
That progress has put her in the main event of the upcoming Invicta FC 34, where she faces talented Brazilian and former title challenger Vanessa Porto. Gonzalez agreed to a brief interview on her thoughts surrounding all of this as she readies herself for the biggest fight of her career.
Victor Rodriguez: You’ve been essentially reborn in your Invicta run, making improvements and racking up wins. What would you credit most to your development and progression?
Pearl Gonzalez: I decided to give my fight career 100% of my commitment & time. Moving to San Diego by myself last year & training full time at 10th Planet definitely was huge for me. I’ve committed my life to this sport, this is it, there is nothing else.
VR: What, if anything, stands out to you about Vanessa Porto’s game?
PG: I respect her game. She’s a well rounded fighter & brings a lot of experience. I’m definitely a fan, I’m excited to get to bang with her.
VR: Is there anything in her skillset that impresses you?
PG: I like her leg kicks.
VR: What would be the best thing about winning the flyweight title?
PG: I was born to be a Champion. This is my life’s work. This is my art, it means everything.
VR: Which sparring partners are the most fun in your camp for you to train with?
PG: I love training with my team. Liz (Carmouche) & Illima (MacFarlane) are a lot of fun to train with. They challenge me the most.
VR: Sorry to ask, because I know you’re cutting weight before fight night – but what foods do you miss the most during fight week?
PG: ANY FOOD… but one thing that stand out is definitely my oatmeal. **thinks about food as I type**
VR: What’s the first thing you’re going to do to celebrate winning that belt this Friday?
PG: Thank my coaches, my team and hug my family.
Invicta FC 34: Porto vs Gonzalez takes place this Friday, Feburary 15th, starting at 8:00pm. The event will be streaming live and exclusively on UFC Fight Pass.