Erin Blanchfield Criticizes Maycee Barber After Last-Minute Fight Withdrawal Due to Health Concerns

Erin Blanchfield Criticizes Maycee Barber After Last-Minute Fight Withdrawal Due to Health Concerns

Erin Blanchfield was poised to face Maycee Barber in the main event of UFC Fight Night, scheduled to take place in Las Vegas over the weekend. However, the highly anticipated bout was abruptly canceled just moments before the fighters were set to enter the Octagon.

Maycee Barber’s Health Crisis

Barber, a competitor in the women’s flyweight division, had not fought since March 2024 due to health complications. Reports indicated that she experienced a severe illness that required a near two-week hospital stay. Compounding the situation, Barber missed weight by half a pound the previous day, resulting in her agreeing to forfeit 20 percent of her fight purse to Blanchfield, as confirmed by various sources.

Shocking Turn of Events at UFC Fight Night

In a surprising twist, Blanchfield revealed during the post-fight press conference that UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell informed her that Barber suffered a seizure just minutes prior to walking to the Octagon. ESPN commentators similarly reported that Barber was grappling with a medical issue, contributing to the fight’s cancellation.

Blanchfield expressed her disbelief regarding the entire situation, stating, “I feel like I’m still in pretty much disbelief right now. I felt disbelief yesterday when she missed weight because we have known about this fight since January. You could have been 50 pounds overweight and still missed weight.” This sentiment echoed the frustrations of many within the MMA community.

Blanchfield’s Frustration Towards Barber

The fighter continued to ventilate her frustrations about Barber’s last-minute withdrawal. “So, she missed weight, then she gets to Saturday. She gets to the locker room. I’m fully ready to go. She’s supposed to be ready to go. Supposedly now she has all these health issues right when we’re supposed to fight. I think it’s pretty crazy. I think it’s pretty unprofessional. I wouldn’t want to fight her again,” Blanchfield stated.

Barber’s Silence on Social Media

Even amidst the chaos, Barber maintained a degree of silence on the matter. She shared videos on her Instagram promoting her anticipated return to the Octagon but failed to address any of the reported medical issues directly. This lack of communication raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.

Blanchfield’s Tough Love Advice

During the post-fight media session, Blanchfield was asked if she had any advice for Barber following the incident. Without holding back, she responded, “I don’t know, she needs to look at another division. She needs to fix her life. She just needs to fix herself. I think she’s a complete mess in every aspect of her entire life.” Such statements underscored Blanchfield’s frustration not only with the missed fight but also with Barber’s overall preparedness and conduct.

Blanchfield’s Continued Fighting Career

Blanchfield boasts an impressive MMA record of 13 wins and 2 losses, reinforcing her status as a formidable competitor. Her last victory came against renowned fighter Rose Namajunas, whom she defeated by unanimous decision in November. This recent success may bolster her upward trajectory in the ranks of women’s flyweight contenders.

Looking Ahead

The incident has raised questions about the protocols in place for fighter health and safety, particularly as spectators yearn for transparency in these high-stakes situations. The UFC has maintained its commitment to the well-being of fighters, yet this occurrence has amplified the need for clearer guidelines regarding medical evaluations and fight readiness.

As the MMA landscape continues to evolve, fans remain eager to see how Blanchfield and Barber recover from this latest chapter. The disappointment of a canceled fight underscores the unpredictable nature of professional sports, a reality that fighters understand all too well.

The rescheduling of fights, consideration of fighter health, and ensuring fighters are prepared leads to an ongoing dialogue in the world of MMA. As fans, officials, and fighters engage with these complex issues, the sport may find ways to adapt and improve for the future.