Streaking atomweight up-and-comer Kyra Batara was planning to make a statement in her Combate Americas presents: “Combate 11” mixed martial arts (MMA) fight against international import Vanesa Rico Fernandez.
I don’t think this is what she had in mind.
Batara (5-4) was unable to make the 105-pound limit for her featured fight on UFC Fight Pass and Azteca America. While the “Mogwai” camp campaigned for a catchweight affair, Fernandez (2-2) was steadfast in her decision to compete at atomweight.
Or not at all.
As a result, Combate 11 has promoted the lightweight showdown between Erick “Ghost Pepper” Gonzales and Danny “The Realist” Ramirez into the three-round featured bout, popping off this Thursday night (Feb. 16, 2017) in Burbank, California.
With @KyraBatara pulled from #Combate11, @campbellcombate elevates @Ghostpepper_mma vs. @R3ALISTKIdDO to featured bout. pic.twitter.com/uOvQQAuPOi
— MMA mania (@mmamania) February 15, 2017
Fernandez will receive her “show” purse following the late scratch.
Missing weight is no doubt a major setback for Batara, who was positioned as the face of Combate Americas after racking up three straight wins for the Hispanic-based combat sports promotion.
Not only did she lose her Combate 11 fight, the 22-year-old grappler also saw her shot at the atomweight championship go up in smoke.
For now.
Elsewhere on the card, atomweight prospect and Josh Barnett protege Alyssa “Tiny Tim” Garcia will now compete at a catchweight of 108 pounds after opponent Kaiyana Rain came in heavy.
For much more on Combate 11 click here.