Pearl Gonzalez – Biography, Facts and Everything You Need To Know

Quick Facts

One tough cookie who has definitely held her own in the male-dominated world of Mixed Martial Arts is Pearl Gonzalez. Presently, she is fighting in the strawweight division of the Invicta Fighting Championship. Her career took-off in September 2009 but February 2012 was the year she made her professional debut.

Prior to her contract with Invicta, Pearl was with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and the Xtreme Fighting Championship (XFC). Her fighting accolades include her win over Cortney Casey – a competitor whom she contested against in 2013, earning her the position of the champion in XFC women’s strawweight division.

Pearl Gonzalez Biography

Pearl Gonzalez was born on the 12th of August 1986 in Chicago Illinois which makes her an American national though her ethnicity is a mixture of Irish, Mexican, African-American, Filipino, and Puerto Rican. There is no indication of the identity of her parents and siblings but according to the official bio of the MMA fighter, she spent her formative years in a poverty-ridden neighborhood of Chicago. When her parents pulled the plug on their marriage, Pearl ended up with her dad who raised her as a single parent but her other siblings went to her mum. She also spent time with relatives while her parents who were alcohol and substance abusers tried to get clean.

When he eventually got clean, her dad registered her with a class for combat sports at the young age of 11 but she had to withdraw after a while in order to be able to take care of her younger sister. Pearl Gonzalez returned to fighting at the age of 21 and proceeded to create a niche for herself in the world of Mixed Martial Arts.

Facts To Know About Pearl Gonzalez

1. Career Attainment

Although Pearl Gonzalez launched her career as an amateur in 2008, she commenced fighting professionally in 2012. Pearl signed with many clubs like Hoosier Fight Club, Xtreme Fighting Championship, Splode Fight Series, as well as Xtreme Fighting Organization. Before her contract with UFC, she already had a record of 6-1. Her Ultimate Fighting Championship promotional debut was accomplished at UFC 210 against Cynthia Calvillo on the 8th of April 2017, though she came out the loser through a rear-naked choke.

Pearl faced Poliana Botelho in her second fight at UFC 216 on the 7th of October 2017 and again lost through a unanimous decision. UFC had to release her after the two losses and shortly after, she signed on with Invicta Fighting Championships.

Her promotional debut with Invicta was made on the 24th of March 2018; this time, luck seemed to be on her side as she won the contest through a unanimous decision. She also won her second fight against Barbara Acioly on the 4th of May 2018. 1st of September 2018 saw Pearl Gonzalez facing Daiane Firmino and she still came out victorious through a unanimous decision. Pearl fought again on the 15th of February 2019 for the vacant flyweight title at Invicta FC 34 facing Vanessa Porto.

2. Her Net Worth

Her first and second fights with UFC earned her the sums of $12,500 and $10,000 respectively. She also accumulated a good amount through endorsements and sponsorships with brands like PRO-TF. Her net worth is currently estimated at $400,000.

3. Height, Weight and Body Features

Pearl Gonzalez’s height is recorded to be 5 feet 4 inches with a matching body weight of 52 kg. 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. Relationship History

Pearl Gonzalez’s name has only been romantically linked with Javier Keyser who earns a living as an officer in the US Navy. The couple had a long relationship which culminated in a marriage ceremony at Imperial Beach, California in May 2013. Though their career affords them little time to enjoy their relationship as a couple, they still appear to be happy with their situation. Pearl has revealed that she lives partly in San Diego which is where the base of her husband is located. The couple doesn’t have any kids yet.

5. Life Before Fame

Before her UFC contract, Pearl Gonzalez held down three jobs at once in a bid to bring up her sister who was 15-year-old at that time. According to the MMA artist, she was employed as a Brand Ambassador, a Vet Assistant, and also held down minor jobs like functioning as an extra in commercials and movies. She refers to herself as an actress, a fighter, a model, and an athlete.

Also Read: Top 10 Richest People in the world with full biography and details.