Maycee Barber’s withdrawal from the UFC Vegas 107 main event against Erin Blanchfield sent shockwaves through the MMA community. The highly anticipated women’s flyweight headliner was called off just moments before the fighters were set to walk out, leaving fans, commentators, and even the athletes themselves in disbelief. The abrupt cancellation, attributed to a late-breaking medical issue, has since raised questions about Barber’s health, her future in the division, and the impact of her absence on the UFC landscape.
A Shocking Last-Minute Decision
The drama unfolded in real time on Saturday night at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. As promotional videos for the main event aired and anticipation built, UFC commentators were suddenly informed that Barber was “unable to walk for her main event at this moment.” Minutes later, the official announcement came: Maycee Barber was not medically cleared to compete, and the main event was canceled.
“I knew when I saw [UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell] that it wasn’t something good, because he was kind of like being real serious,” Blanchfield recounted on the UFC broadcast. “I’m feeling a little disbelief”.
Medical Concerns Behind the Withdrawal
Barber, who had not fought in over a year due to injury and illness, had been candid about her health struggles in the lead-up to the fight. UFC commentator Megan Olivi revealed that Barber had endured an 11-day hospitalization and was diagnosed with Epstein-Barr Syndrome, a condition known to cause severe fatigue and immune system complications. “They consulted a specialist in infectious diseases from Colorado to diagnose and treat her ongoing issues, and even now, Barber lacks clear answers,” Olivi explained. “Yet, they managed to find a mix of medications that helped stabilize her situation, enabling her to feel better and return to training and competition. However, it became evident yesterday that her time away, coupled with these health concerns, made it challenging for her to make weight”.
Indeed, Barber missed weight by half a pound at Friday’s weigh-in and opted not to attempt further weight cutting, surrendering 20% of her purse to Blanchfield4. The missed weight only added to the uncertainty surrounding her ability to compete.
Barber’s Response and the Fallout
Barber addressed her withdrawal on Instagram, sharing a behind-the-scenes video of her being transported out of the UFC Apex on a stretcher. “Not what I had planned for a Sunday post,” she wrote. “Thank you to everyone for the prayers and support… PS my life is not messy; this is just a tough situation. We will figure it all out and return”.
Blanchfield, who was awarded both her show and win money by the UFC, expressed frustration and disappointment. “I think she needs to consider another division. She has to sort out her life. She needs to get herself together. It seems like she’s struggling in every facet of her life,” Blanchfield said at the post-fight press conference.
What’s Next for Barber?
The cancellation marks another setback in Barber’s promising career. With a professional record of 14-2, she remains a top-5 contender in the UFC women’s flyweight division, but her future is now clouded by health concerns and questions about her ability to compete at the highest level.
As the MMA world awaits further updates, Barber’s situation underscores the unpredictable nature of the sport—and the resilience required to overcome adversity at the elite level.
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