UFC Vegas 90 experienced a significant shakeup ahead of Saturday's anticipated event at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. What was slated to be a stacked fight card featuring 13 thrilling matchups was abruptly reduced to 12 bouts following a tumultuous official weigh-in on Friday.
The unfortunate turn of events unfolded when women's strawweight contender Cynthia Calvillo failed to make weight for her scheduled bout against Piera Rodríguez. Calvillo tipped the scales three pounds over the limit, registering at 119 pounds, ultimately leading to the cancellation of the highly anticipated matchup.
This isn't the first instance of Calvillo encountering weight-related issues in her UFC career. With two prior instances of missing weight, Calvillo's struggle to meet the required limit raises concerns about her future in the division. Adding to the controversy, Calvillo's past indiscretions include a positive test for marijuana metabolites following her UFC 219 defeat to former champion Carla Esparza.
While Rodríguez successfully made weight at 116 pounds, Calvillo's failure to meet the stipulated requirements cast a shadow over the event. However, Calvillo wasn't the only fighter to face weight-related challenges on Saturday.
A total of four fighters missed weight, further complicating the already tense atmosphere. Alongside Calvillo, Alexander Hernandez, Melissa Mullins, and Nora Cornolle all struggled to hit their respective marks on the scale. Hernandez's egregious oversight saw him tipping the scales a staggering four pounds over the featherweight limit for his main card clash against Damon Jackson.
Despite the collective weight management issues, only the Calvillo versus Rodriguez bout was scrapped from the lineup, leaving fight fans to speculate on the potential ramifications of the remaining matchups.
As UFC Vegas 90 unfolds, the aftermath of the weigh-in drama serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by fighters in their quest for excellence. With uncertainty looming over the event, the spotlight shifts to the fighters as they prepare to deliver captivating performances inside the Octagon.