UFC Main Event Fighter Maycee Barber Misses Weight, Fans Express Concern Over 'Insanely Drained' Appearance
UFC Main Event Fighter Maycee Barber Misses Weight, Fans Express Concern Over 'Insanely Drained' Appearance originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The UFC thrives on larger-than-life personalities and braggadocious fighters who talk trash to build hype, but fans often relish seeing those same fighters humbled inside the Octagon. There's a unique satisfaction in watching a cocky contender get knocked down a peg, whether by a devastating knockout, a slick submission, or even a simple weight-cutting failure Part of MMA's appeal lies in its unforgiving nature, where no amount of trash talk can save a fighter who isn't truly prepared.
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Maycee Barber's highly anticipated return to the Octagon hit a roadbump ahead of her UFC Vegas 107 main event clash with Erin Blanchfield, as she failed to make weight during Friday's official weigh-ins.
Dana WhiteGettyImages
Barber weighed in at 126.5 pounds, half a pound over the non-title flyweight limit, marking the first weight miss of her UFC career. As a result, she will forfeit 20 percent of her purse to Blanchfield, though the fight will proceed as scheduled.
Fans were quick to comment on the YouTube video on Barber's appearance during the weigh-in, noting that she seemed considerably drained:
'Maycee Barber looks like a completely different person.'
'Barber looks insanely drained.'
'Maycee looks like death warmed over! Taking on Erin after her lengthy illness and out for 14 months has to be one of the biggest boneheaded blunders in UFC history!'
'E-maycee-ated Barber.'
'Barber needs to go to 135 or GTFO.'
Barber, a graduate of Dana White's Contender Series, pulled out of a fight against Rose Namajunas back in July 2024, claiming she suffered from Epstein-barr virus, a viral infection that spreads through saliva and body fluids.
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The weight miss adds an unexpected twist to a bout with significant implications for the flyweight division, where both fighters are ranked.
The situation is somewhat karmic, as Barber spent the lead-up to the fight dismissing Blanchfield as a boring and one-dimensional grappler while hyping her own aggressive style.
"I think her fighting style is terrible,' Barber quipped in an interview with Ariel Helwani. 'I think the only thing for her to say about me is that she thinks I might not show up."
For Blanchfield, the situation is a golden opportunity to capitalize on Barber's misstep. A victory would solidify her position in the title picture, while Barber's stock will likely take a hit regardless of the outcome.
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Related: Up-and-Down Fighter Withdraws from UFC 316 Clash Due to Medical Reasons
Related: Undefeated Fighter Cut From UFC Believes He Can Retire Comfortably If He Wants To 'I'm Not Really Worried'
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
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