On Saturday, February 10, 2024, the highly anticipated UFC Vegas 107 main event featuring Maycee Barber and Erin Blanchfield was abruptly canceled right before the fighters were set to make their entrance. The event took place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, which had already been criticized for lacking star power, with Barber, Blanchfield, and Mateusz Gamrot being the lone draw for fans.
As the broadcast returned from a commercial break, viewers were shocked when the UFC commentary team announced that Maycee Barber was unable to proceed with the fight. The suddenness of this announcement raised immediate concerns about a potential technical delay. However, after a brief pause, the broadcast team confirmed that the fight had been officially called off.
During the live coverage, it was revealed that Barber had suffered a medical issue, preventing her from receiving clearance to compete. In a subsequent interview with Megan Olivi, Erin Blanchfield shared that UFC Executive Hunter Campbell had informed her that Barber had experienced a seizure prior to the fight.
This incident marks the second time that Blanchfield's matchup against Barber has fallen through. Historically, the anticipation surrounding their fights has not materialized, and Blanchfield expressed her decision to avoid any future bookings with Barber. She noted that her coaches advised her against pursuing the matchup, emphasizing that Barber does not match her skill level. Despite Barber’s failure to make weight by half a pound the day before the fight, Blanchfield had felt confident that the bout would proceed until the last moment.
The cancellation of the UFC Vegas 107 main event leaves fans disappointed and raises questions about the future of both fighters. For Barber, this medical setback adds to the uncertainty surrounding her career, while Blanchfield may need to shift her focus to other contenders in the stacked women’s flyweight division. This unexpected turn of events not only impacts the fighters involved but also leaves fans craving top-level excitement during an otherwise dull card.
As the UFC continues to adjust its schedule, fans will eagerly await updates on Barber’s health and when she will be able to return to the octagon. Moreover, it will be interesting to see how this cancellation affects Erin Blanchfield’s trajectory in the UFC, as she aims to climb the ranks and position herself for title contention in the near future.
In conclusion, UFC Vegas 107 ended in anticlimax, reminding combat sports enthusiasts of the unpredictable nature of the sport. Fans hope for quick recoveries and future matchups that deliver on the promises of excitement and elite competition.
