Bellator Releases Jessica Eye, Jessica Aguilar, Dissolves Women’s Division

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Bellator MMA has dissolved its women’s division, according to a statement from promotion CEO and Chairman Bjorn Rebney.

“Jessica Eye, Jessica Aguilar and Felice [Herrig] represent all that is good in women’s MMA. Both Eye and Aguilar are ranked No. 1 in the world in their respective divisions and carry themselves with class and distinction, elevating the women’s game,” said Rebney. “I’ve said many times that fighters need to fight, and fight often. Given our current focus, we are not in a position to provide these very deserving women regular and recurring fights on a large platform, and I felt it was best to let them go and secure options that did. I genuinely wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors and will be rooting for each of them wherever they fight.”

With the release of Eye, Aguilar and Herrig, the Bellator roster is now devoid of female competitors, according to the promotion’s release. Invicta Fighting Championships Tuesday announced the acquisition of Herrig, but it is currently unknown if Aguilar and Eye will join her in the all-female promotion or seek out other opportunities.

Bellator instituted a 115-pound women’s division three years ago during the organization’s third season. The promotion held an eight-woman tournament to crown an inaugural champion, including the likes of Aguilar, Megumi Fujii, Carla Esparza and eventual winner Zoila Frausto Gurgel in the tourney field. “Warrior Princess” would never defend her belt, however, as she competed thrice at 125 pounds under the Bellator banner before receiving her promotional release this past February.