FIGHT NIGHT!
10 hard-hitting questions for Houston-based MMA fighter Jessica Aguilar
Nov 10, 2020, 4:27 pm
Don't miss the action this Wednesday night!Photo via: XFC
The co-main event of XFC 43 will feature Houston-based fighter Jessica "Jag" Aguilar returning to action against Danielle Taylor, Wednesday night at The Tabernacle in Atlanta. The two women will throw down at 115 pounds. This will mark the first XFC card in more than four years as the fighting world attempts to seek out fighters for the next generation of MMA.
Aguilar grew up in Pozarica Veracruz, Mexico, made her professional fighting debut in 2006 and has served as a pioneer for women's MMA while fighting in WSOF, Bellator, UFC and now XFC. She has rung up 20 wins worldwide during her reign as strawweight champion. Aguilar is not only an inspiration to female MMA fighters, but a leader for the LGBTQ community.
Wednesday will mark Aguilar's first fight in two years since signing an exclusive, multi-year contract with XFC in October. The two parties are confident it will be a successful partnership.
"Jessica Aguilar is a true icon of MMA, and we couldn't be more excited to see her back in action in the XFC Hexagon. Jessica has accomplished so much, but she came to us hungrier than ever. She's going to be tested as a world-class athlete at XFC, and we believe she'll once again rise to the occasion," XFC President Myron Molotky said.
Aguilar has been training with Bob Perez, co-owner of Main Street Boxing and Muay Tai in Houston. SportsMap caught up with Aguilar for a quick 10 questions before Wednesday's bout.
SportsMap: Was it your dream as a child to become a professional fighter?
Jessica Aguilar: Never in my wildest dreams. It's a wild story that I just fell into place, and I became a world champion! I did dream of becoming a professional athlete, doctor or movie star.
SM: Where do you find the drive to continue to fight at 38 years old?
JA: My love for this sport drives me! It's that feeling you get when you're in the ring. It's the best feeling ever.
SM: Is professional fighting your only job?
JA: Yes, currently. However, I also teach self-defense classes, commentate and just got my licenses to do EP work (executive protection).
SM: What are the ups and downs you've faced being a pioneer for the LGBTQ community in MMA?
JA: There are so many ups. One of those is getting awarded by GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) in NYC for being me. As for the downs, I ignore them and use it as fuel which led me to becoming the best in the world. I'm just honored to be representing the LGBTQ on my platform.
SM: What does your training day schedule look like?
JA: Monday-Saturday. 6-10 hours a day. My training consists of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing, Muay Thai, wrestling and strength and conditioning.
SM: What do you eat on fight day?
JA: A good hearty breakfast followed by a clean lunch with good carbs and protein. I also snack on fruit throughout the day.
SM: What unfinished business do you have to take care of on November 11?
JA: The unfinished business is to show myself that I still got “it" by finishing my opponent in a dominant fashion.
SM: Favorite takedown move?
JA: The single leg takedown.
SM: What does your body feel like the day after a brutal fight?
JA: Like a truck hit me.
SM: How have you managed to avoid cauliflower ear?
JA: I have small ears and I am very good at protecting them.
You can follow Jessica Aguilar on Twitter @jagatt and watch XFC 43 LIVE on NBC Sports Network this Wednesday night.
Most Popular
SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome
Listen Live
Astros stumble again as Braves complete gut-wrenching series sweep
Apr 17, 2024, 4:51 pm
Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander will make his season debut Friday night at the Washington Nationals.
Houston manager Joe Espada made the announcement Wednesday.
“Getting him back is huge because it brings a level of confidence to our team, a boost of confidence that we’re going to get someone who’s been an MVP, a Cy Young (winner) on the mound,” Espada said. “It's (good) for the morale and to get stuff started and moving in the right direction.”
The three-time Cy Young Award winner opened the season on the injured list with inflammation in his right shoulder. He made two rehabilitation starts, the first for Triple-A Sugar Land on April 7 before Saturday’s start for Double-A Corpus Christi.
Espada wouldn't say how many pitches the 41-year-old would be limited to but said they'll keep an eye on his workload.
“We've got to be careful how hard we push him early,” Espada said. “I know he’s going to want to go and stay out there and give us an opportunity to win, but we've got to be cautious of how hard we push him early in the season.”
Verlander wasn’t thrilled with the results in his rehabilitation starts, but he said Monday that those games were valuable in getting him prepared to come off the IL.
He allowed seven hits and six runs — five earned — in four innings against Frisco on Saturday. He struck out three, walked one and threw 51 of 77 pitches for strikes.
Verlander allowed six earned runs and struck out six while pitching into the fourth inning for Sugar Land on April 7.
The Astros have gotten off to a tough start with Verlander and fellow starters Framber Valdez and José Urquidy on the injured list. They enter Wednesday's games last in the AL West with a 6-13 record.
Espada hopes Verlander can be the boost the team needs to get on track.
“It’s good to get him back in the rotation,” Espada said. “With what he means to this club just to get him back on track, getting some innings from him (to) build our rotation with the pieces that we need to move forward is exciting.”