Maycee Barber Fight SCRAPPED Last Minute Was it a Seizure?!

UFC Vegas 107 Main Event Shocker: Maycee Barber Fight Canceled Last Minute Due to Suspected Seizure

In a dramatic turn of events, the highly anticipated main event of UFC Vegas 107 between Maycee Barber and Erin Blanchfield was abruptly canceled just moments before the fighters were set to walk to the Octagon. The clash of ranked flyweights, which promised to be a pivotal bout in the division, was scrapped due to what was initially reported as a "last-minute medical issue" for Barber.

The Unfolding Drama

The situation unfolded with a palpable sense of disbelief. ESPN had already aired the pre-fight feature, showcasing interviews with both Barber and Blanchfield, building anticipation for the contest. However, after the video concluded, the broadcast team somberly announced that Barber was unable to compete.

The specifics of the medical issue remained initially vague until Blanchfield revealed in a post-cancellation interview that UFC executive Hunter Campbell informed her that Barber had potentially suffered a seizure. The timing of the incident added to the shock, with Blanchfield stating:

• "We were told six minutes to the walkout."
• "We already warmed up, I had pads, I was warming up with my training partner."
• "I was literally ready to go. I feel like I could already smell the cage."
• "I was ready, and then we just got the news."

Weight Miss Controversy and Repercussions

Adding another layer of complexity to the situation, Barber had previously missed weight by a half-pound the day before the fight. She was subsequently forced to forfeit 20% of her purse to Blanchfield. This incident led Blanchfield to express pre-fight skepticism about whether Barber would even make it to the bout. While she admitted that she thought they were in the clear once Barber made it to the scales, the sudden cancellation clearly left her frustrated.

When asked about a potential rescheduling of the fight against Barber, Blanchfield dismissed the idea outright, stating:

"No, my coaches right away were like, ‘Don’t entertain her, she’s not on your level, super unprofessional.’"

What's Next for Blanchfield and Barber?

Blanchfield, understandably eager to compete, has indicated her desire to secure a fight against another top-five opponent in the flyweight division. She was coming off a significant win against former champion Rose Namajunas after previously suffering her first UFC loss to Manon Fiorot in March 2024.

The immediate future for Barber remains uncertain. Her health and well-being are paramount, and the focus will undoubtedly be on determining the cause of the potential seizure and ensuring her full recovery. She had entered the bout on a six-fight win streak and was hoping to use this fight as a catapult to a title shot.

UFC Vegas 107: Full Results

Despite the main event cancellation, UFC Vegas 107 proceeded with the remaining card. Here are the results:

Main Card

• Women's flyweight: Erin Blanchfield vs. Maycee Barber canceled
• Lightweight: Mateusz Gamrot def. Ludovit Klein via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Welterweight: Ramiz Brahimaj def. Billy Ray Goff via submission (guillotine) at 3:16 of R1
• Light heavyweight: Dustin Jacoby def. Bruno Lopes via KO (punches) at 1:50 of R1
• Women's featherweight: Ketlen Vieira def. Macy Chiasson via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
• Middleweight: Zachary Reese def. Dusko Todorovic via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Preliminary Card

• Flyweight: Allan Nascimento def. Jafel Filho via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Lightweight: Jordan Leavitt def. Kurt Holobaugh via submission (anaconda choke) at 1:39 of R1
• Lightweight: Bolaji Oki def. Michael Aswell via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Women’s strawweight: Alice Ardelean def. Rayanne dos Santos via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

The cancellation of the Barber-Blanchfield fight serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of combat sports. We wish Maycee Barber a speedy recovery and hope to see both fighters back in the Octagon soon.

Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/breaking-news/article/ufc-vegas-107-main-event-canceled-after-maycee-barber-suffers-possible-seizure-minutes-before-fight-034431105.html