No. 5 ranked women's flyweight contender Maycee Barber faced significant challenges leading up to UFC Vegas 107. During the weigh-in on Friday, she missed weight, which already complicated her preparations for the main event against No. 4 ranked Erin Blanchfield. However, the situation escalated on Saturday when Barber experienced a seizure moments before her scheduled fight at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. As a result, UFC executive Hunter Campbell announced that the fight was canceled, and Barber was transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation.
Following her hospitalization, Maycee Barber took to social media on Sunday to provide an update. She expressed gratitude for the support she received and promised fans that she would return to the octagon after addressing her health issues. "Not what I had planned for a Sunday post. Thank you to everyone for the prayers & support. I owe an apology to the UFC and Erin Blanchfield. PS my life is not messy; this is just a bad hand. We will get to the bottom of it all and be back," Barber wrote.
The abrupt cancellation of the fight not only affected Barber but also Blanchfield, who was ready to compete. In the UFC Vegas 107 Post-Fight Press Conference, Blanchfield did not hold back as she criticized Barber's situation. "She needs to look at another division. She needs to fix her life. She just needs to fix herself,” Blanchfield said, implying that Barber's struggles extended beyond the octagon. This comment came in light of Barber’s assertion that her life is not in disarray, a clear rebuttal to Blanchfield's remarks.
Both fighters had a lot at stake in their matchup. The winner could have earned a shot at the title, making the bout a crucial opportunity for both girls. With Barber unable to compete, both fighters missed out on advancing their careers at a pivotal moment. Blanchfield reflected on the lost opportunity, stating, "This fight was possibly a contender's fight. I was really ready to put on a show tonight." She acknowledged the disappointment but remained focused on her path, mentioning, "I know there are other girls in the Top 5 that I could fight. I guess we'll just have to go back and reassess.”
As Maycee Barber works through her health challenges, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how this affects her future in the UFC. Her promise to return reinforces the resilience and determination that many fighters exhibit in their careers. Meanwhile, Erin Blanchfield continues to keep her eye on the prize, looking to capitalize on the next opportunity when it arises. The situation serves as a reminder that the path in combat sports can be volatile and unpredictable, but the spirit of competition remains strong.
