TUF 26 finalist, Sijara Eubanks spoke out about suffering from kidney failure while working hard to meet weight qualifications for her next fight. The end result was that she missed her shot at the title. Here’s what you need to know!
Sijara Eubanks’ kidney failure was one of the reasons she didn’t qualify for the first UFC women’s flyweight title, despite hard work and high hopes. Despite the letdown, she’s determined to compete next year. Here’s what happened to Sijara Eubanks.
Why Didn’t Sijara Eubanks Compete for the UFC Flyweight Title?
The UFC flyweight finale is tonight, and Eubanks, who was hoping to take home the belt, is not going to compete. She was recently hospitalized for kidney failure just hours before her weigh-ins.
Coach Eddie Alvarez was disappointed as he said, “We never know the reasoning behind these kinds of things. Personally I don’t think there’s an excuse for it. But I’m going to have to call Vegas to see what’s going on.”
Eubanks revealed that she “cut more weight than most male fighters” but still couldn’t make the 125-lb limit.
“First of all, I’m a champion. Point blank,” she wrote on Instagram. “I will be UFC champion, but it’s God’s will that it won’t be Friday night. I’m a gangster and I’ve cut more weight than most male fighters, and unfortunately there were some miscalculations this cut, no excuses, I worked my ass off and went out on my shield.
“I was hospitalized early this morning for kidney failure but best believe I’ma be right back training and right back after that belt. This game is full of ups and downs, true champs know that and bounce back. Nicco and Roxanne I’m sure will have a great fight, and best wishes to both those ladies. True class, those two. Nothing changes, I’m still the queen and I will claim my throne.”
Her spirit is very much alive, and though we won’t get to see her fight tonight, this is definitely not the end of Sijara Eubanks.
At Ultimate Fighter 26, she was ranked No.12 and managed to beat Maia Stevenson, DeAnna Bennett, and Roxanne Modafferi.
The Eubanks-Stevenson fight was one to watch, with Eubanks going full-steam ahead on her opponent.
Photo: youtube.com/watch?v=SLB5PN7HSy8
How Will Tonight’s Fight Go Down?
Taking Eubanks’ place is Roxanne Modafferi, who will face off against Nicco Montaño. Her original opponent, Barb Honchak, will fight Lauren Murphy. The UFC released an official statement regarding the changes, saying:
“Due to medical issues, Sijara Eubanks was hospitalized Thursday morning and has been pulled from her bout against Nicco Montano at Friday’s The Ultimate Fighter Finale. Stepping in for Eubanks to fight in the inaugural UFC women’s flyweight championship bout will be Ultimate Fighter 26 semifinalist Roxanne Modafferi.”
The Brazilian jiu-jitsu pro is more than disheartened that she will not be at Park Theater, Las Vegas tonight, but it’s still going to be a fight worth watching! Roxanne Modafferi, 35, has been fighting since 2003 and has won six out of eight fights, all thanks to her training at Syndicate MMA.
I’m excited for the opportunity. I also hope Sijara gets better quickly. A weight cut to the point of hospitalization can be serious. https://t.co/l0pjDgV4mw
— Roxanne Modafferi (@Roxyfighter) November 30, 2017
Tonight’s fight will air on UFC Fight Pass and Fox Sports 1 at 10:00 p.m EST.
