A tough cookie that has definitely held his own, Pearl Gonzalez is in the male-dominated world of mixed martial arts. She is currently fighting in the strawweight division of the Invicta Fighting Championship. His career started in September 2009 but February 2012 was the year of his professional debut.
Prior to his contract with Invicta, Pearl was with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and the Xtreme Fighting Championship (XFC). She stood out in her victory over Cortney Casey, a contender she feuded against in 2013 that won her the title of XFC Women’s Strawweight Division Champion.
Pearl Gonzalez Biography
Pearl Gonzalez was born on August 12, 1986 in Chicago, Illinois, making her an American national although her ethnicity is a mixture of Irish, Mexican, African American, Filipino, and Puerto Rican. There’s no indication of who her parents and siblings are, but according to the MMA fighter’s official biography, she spent her formative years in a poverty-stricken neighborhood of Chicago. When her parents ended their marriage, Pearl ended up having her father who raised her as a single mother, but her other siblings went to her mother’s house. She also spent time with relatives as her alcoholic and drug-addicted parents tried to clean up.
When he finally got clean, his father signed up at the age of 11, she took a course in combat sports, but she had to withdraw a little later in order to take care of her younger sister. Pearl Gonzalez returned to fighting at the age of 21 and carved out a niche in the world of mixed martial arts.
What to know about Pearl Gonzalez
1. Professional success
Although Pearl Gonzalez started her career as an amateur in 2008, she started fighting professionally in 2012. Pearl has signed with many clubs like Hoosier Fight Club, Xtreme Fighting Championship, Splode Fight Series and Xtreme Fighting Organization. Prior to her contract with UFC, she was already 6-1. Her Ultimate Fighting Championship promotional debut came at UFC 210 against Cynthia Calvillo on April 8, 2017, although she defeated the underdog via a choke.
Pearl faced Poliana Botelho in her second fight at UFC 216 on October 7, 2017 and lost again via unanimous decision. UFC had to release her after the two losses and soon after she signed with Invicta Fighting Championships.
Her promotional debut with Invicta was made on March 24, 2018; This time, luck seemed to be on her side as she won the contest by a unanimous decision. She also won her second fight against Barbara Acioly on May 4, 2018. On September 1, 2018, Pearl Gonzalez faced Daiane Firmino and she remained victorious via a unanimous decision. Pearl fought again on February 15, 2019 for the vacant flyweight title at Invicta FC 34, against Vanessa Porto.
2. His net worth
His first and second bouts with UFC earned him $12,500 and $10,000 respectively. She has also racked up a good sum through endorsements and endorsements with brands such as PRO-TF. His net worth is currently estimated at $400,000.
3. Height, weight and body characteristics
Pearl Gonzalez height is 5ft4inches with a corresponding body weight of 52kg. Not much is known about the rest of her body stats, but it is said that she once went under the knife for breast implants.
4. History of the relationship
Pearl Gonzalez’s name has only been romantically linked with Javier Keyser who makes a living as an officer in the US Navy. The couple had a long relationship which culminated in a wedding ceremony in Imperial Beach, California in May 2013. Although their career gives them little time to appreciate their relationship as a couple, they still seem content with their situation. Pearl revealed that she partially resides in San Diego, where her husband’s base is located. The couple do not yet have children.
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5. Life Before Glory
Prior to her contract with UFC, Pearl Gonzalez held down three jobs at once in an effort to raise her sister who was 15 at the time. According to the MMA artist, she was employed as a brand ambassador, vet assistant and also did minor jobs like being an extra in commercials and movies. She presents herself as an actress, a fighter, a model and an athlete.