Maycee Barber says UFC on ESPN 68 withdrawal vs. Erin Blanchfield 'just a bad hand'
Maycee Barber says UFC on ESPN 68 withdrawal vs. Erin Blanchfield 'just a bad hand'
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Erin Blanchfield on Maycee Barber: 'She needs to fix her life'
UFC on ESPN 68 winner Erin Blanchfield talks to reporters post-fight after Maycee Barber was ruled out of their in main event due to a medical issue.
Less than 24 hours after a shocking and dramatic withdrawal from the UFC on ESPN 68 main event, Maycee Barber posted a bit of an explanation on social media.
Barber (14-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC) was set to headline the card at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas against Erin Blanchfield (13-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC). But just moments before she was set to walk out – video packages for the headliner already had been broadcast – she was not medically cleared to fight.
The women's flyweight bout was canceled literally in the final minute or two before the fighters were set to walk to the cage from the back – leaving even the broadcast team unsure what was happening.
Sunday, Barber had little to say on Instagram beyond an apology, but suggested what caused the incident was not expected. Barber included video taken backstage at the UFC Apex showing her being wheeled on a stretcher to an ambulance.
"Not what I had planned for a Sunday post," Barber posted. "Thank you to everyone for the prayers & support I owe an apology to @ufc @mickmaynard2 @danawhite @seanshelby & @blanchfield_mma ** PS my life is not messy this is just a bad hand. We will get to the bottom of it all and be back 🤍"
Fight week featured veiled comments by Blanchfield wondering if Barber would show up to the fight. Friday, Barber missed weight by a half-pound and declined an opportunity to cut the additional weight to avoid paying a penalty to Blanchfield.
At the ceremonial faceoffs just after the weigh-ins, the two had to be separated by matchmaker Sean Shelby, and their beef continued on social media later on in the day. But when fight time rolled around, Barber was unable to make the walk.
Blanchfield said after the fight she is not interested in rebooking a fight with Barber. Barber was set to fight for the first time in more than a year. Now that layoff will be extended indefinitely, it appears.
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