The cancellation of Barber vs. Blanchfield at UFC Vegas 107 was more than just a change to a fight card—it was a reminder that MMA, while thrilling, is an unforgiving sport
Fighter safety has to be prioritized not only by the athletes themselves but also by coaches, promotions, and regulatory bodies.
Valentina Shevchenko’s words should resonate throughout the community. She didn’t just offer support—she offered insight. The kind of insight that only a veteran champion can provide.
While the headlines from UFC Vegas 107 could have been about a statement win or a Fight of the Night performance, they instead became a story of courage, loyalty, and responsibility.
Maycee Barber’s willingness to fight through a serious illness, and her team’s choice to protect her when she couldn’t protect herself, reflects the complex and human side of combat sports.
In a world where toughness is often measured by what happens inside the cage, sometimes the most important victories happen outside of it. For Maycee Barber, this isn’t a setback—it’s part of a larger story. And as her coach promised, “The Future” will be back.
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Table of Contents
Maycee Barber’s Grit Amidst Adversity
Coach Details Her Courageous Attempt to Fight Erin Blanchfield
UFC Vegas 107 was poised to be a defining night for Maycee Barber, who was set to face fellow top flyweight contender Erin Blanchfield in a high-stakes bout.1
Fans eagerly awaited what promised to be an explosive clash between two rising stars of the women’s flyweight division.
However, just moments before the co-main event walkouts, reports emerged that Barber had been pulled from the fight.
Initially, confusion spread among fans and pundits. Barber had made it to weigh-ins—albeit a half-pound overweight, making the bout a catchweight contest—but something changed rapidly thereafter.
UFC commentators later confirmed that she was not medically cleared to fight due to a sudden health complication.
Great Main Event to start the New Year 🔥 @amandaribasufc @MackenzieDern @ufc #UFCVegas101
— Maycee Barber (@MayceeBarber) January 12, 2025
Coach Cody Donovan Breaks the Silence
Barber’s head coach Cody Donovan stepped forward on Instagram to clarify what happened. In a heartfelt and revealing post, Donovan shed light on Barber’s mentality leading up to the event.
Contrary to public assumption that Barber had pulled out of the bout voluntarily, Donovan emphasized that the young fighter wanted nothing more than to step into the octagon—even in a compromised physical state.
“Maycee did not pull out of her fight. She refused to surrender in spite of what was happening to her medically,” Donovan wrote. “As a coaching staff, we decided to call the doctor in. Even as she begged us not to. What we saw was just too dangerous.”
He praised Barber’s warrior spirit, claiming that she faced the situation with a level of bravery rarely seen in combat sports.
Maycee Barber: Epstein-Barr Virus
The Underlying Threat
Barber’s medical condition wasn’t a new problem. The flyweight contender revealed after UFC Denver last year that she had been dealing with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a condition known to sap energy levels, cause persistent fatigue, and wreak havoc on an athlete’s immune system.2
The virus likely flared up again during the UFC Vegas 107 fight week. Donovan’s statement hints that Barber’s symptoms had escalated dramatically leading up to fight night, prompting the coaching staff to intervene for her safety.
This isn’t the first time EBV has impacted an athlete’s performance. In MMA and other endurance sports, EBV has derailed promising careers and requires extensive recovery.
The fact that Barber wanted to compete in spite of this serious health concern speaks volumes about her dedication and competitive drive.
A Fighter’s Mentality: “The Future” Never Backs Down
Maycee Barber, nicknamed “The Future,” has built a reputation as one of the most determined and mentally tough fighters in the UFC’s women’s flyweight division.
From her earliest UFC fights, Barber has displayed aggression, confidence, and a relentless pursuit of victory.
At just 26 years old, she has already faced tough competition and overcome adversity. Her willingness to fight despite a debilitating medical condition reinforces her image as a never-quit athlete, someone who views obstacles as stepping stones rather than roadblocks.
Coach Donovan echoed this sentiment in his post:
“Most fighters would have run for the door. When they tell the story of Maycee Barber, this will be the Goliath that she got to overcome on her road to greatness. God is good.”
Fans React: Frustration, Sympathy, and Respect
The MMA community had mixed reactions to the sudden cancellation. While some fans expressed frustration over the late withdrawal, many voiced their support for Barber after learning about the health scare.
Veteran fighters, analysts, and even opponents showed respect for her grit. Several UFC peers took to social media to express well wishes and acknowledged the toughness it takes not only to fight—but to be willing to do so while unwell.
The situation also highlighted the critical role coaches and medical professionals play in fighter safety. In Barber’s case, it was her team who made the hard call, prioritizing her long-term health over immediate career milestones.
Maycee Barber’s Journey So Far
A Career Built on Comebacks
Maycee Barber’s UFC journey has not been a smooth, undefeated rise. After bursting onto the scene with high expectations, she suffered her first professional loss against Roxanne Modafferi in 2020—a bout that also saw her suffer a torn ACL.3
The setback was significant, both physically and mentally. But Barber didn’t let it define her. She embarked on a steady comeback trail, defeating notable names like Miranda Maverick, Jessica Eye, and most recently Katlyn Chookagian.
Her victory over Chookagian at UFC 299 via unanimous decision cemented her as a legitimate contender, extending her current win streak to six fights. She has evolved not just as a striker but as a more well-rounded mixed martial artist.
The Fight That Could Have Been: Barber vs. Blanchfield
The matchup with Erin Blanchfield was seen as a crucial test for both women. Blanchfield, known for her grappling prowess and composure under pressure, has been on a rapid ascent of her own. The fight was widely viewed as a potential title eliminator.
The disappointment over the cancellation was mutual—Blanchfield trained hard and made weight, while Barber had pushed through extreme conditions to make it to fight week. UFC fans were robbed of what could’ve been a pivotal clash in the division.
There’s hope, however, that this bout can be rescheduled once Barber is fully healthy. The storyline now has an added layer of drama, and the eventual showdown could generate even more intrigue.
A Comeback Fueled by Purpose
Maycee Barber is not one to wallow in setbacks. Her social media post following UFC Vegas 107 was filled with gratitude for the support she received and hope for what’s next.
With the unwavering backing of her coach and team, she is focused on recovery and returning to the octagon stronger than ever.
Donovan’s statement not only cleared the air about what happened but also served as a rallying cry for Barber’s next chapter. While this episode may have stalled her momentum temporarily, it also showcased the immense resolve she brings to her career.
As Barber continues her recovery from Epstein-Barr virus, the UFC and its fans await her return. With her current win streak and rapidly evolving skill set, she remains very much in the title conversation.
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Valentina Shevchenko Sends Support to Maycee Barber Amid Health Scare
A Sudden Setback at UFC Vegas 107
The highly anticipated showdown between Maycee Barber and Erin Blanchfield at UFC Vegas 107 was called off at the last minute due to a serious medical issue suffered by Barber.
While the full nature of the medical condition was not disclosed, the cancellation stirred concern throughout the MMA community, sparking a wave of support and well-wishes for the 26-year-old fighter.
One of the most significant voices to speak out was UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko, who, during a candid interview with MMA journalist The Schmo, made it clear that Barber’s health should come first, even as she used the moment to highlight broader issues about fighter safety and preparation.
Shevchenko’s Message of Empathy and Experience
Known not only for her dominance in the Octagon but also for her composed demeanor outside it, Shevchenko extended her support to Barber during this difficult time. Her message was one of both compassion and realism.
“Definitely, we all wish [Barber] like, speedy recovery,” Shevchenko told The Schmo. “The health is number one for every athlete.”
Shevchenko’s words carried weight. Having been a professional combat athlete for most of her life, she understands the physical and mental toll that preparation and weight cuts can take on a fighter. Her message wasn’t just about encouragement—it was a call for awareness.
Health Over Hype: A Lesson for Fighters
In the modern UFC landscape, where fighters are under constant pressure to perform and remain relevant, it’s easy to forget that they are human.
There is often a delicate balance between pushing through adversity and knowing when to pull back. Shevchenko emphasized that health is not something fighters can begin thinking about the week of the fight.
“We have to do everything—not starting fight week. Not starting one day before the weigh-in. We have to start it back if we know that the weight cut will affect us somehow.”
This statement underscores a major issue in MMA: the extreme physical demands of weight cutting. While it’s a tradition rooted deeply in combat sports, weight cutting can be dangerous, especially if not managed over time.
Shevchenko, known for her meticulous preparation, hinted that long-term planning is essential not just for performance, but for survival.
Maycee Barber: The Rising Star
Maycee Barber has long been considered one of the brightest young prospects in the UFC women’s flyweight division.
With a professional record boasting several finishes and a growing fan base, she was quickly climbing the ranks.
Her scheduled fight against Blanchfield was a potential title eliminator, with the winner likely to move one step closer to a crack at Shevchenko’s championship.
But fate had other plans. The medical emergency not only halted her momentum but also brought into focus the grueling demands of the sport.
Erin Blanchfield Left in Limbo
On the other end of the matchup, Erin Blanchfield found herself without a fight and without closure. Blanchfield, a surging contender with technical brilliance and strong grappling skills, had been preparing diligently for the bout.
While disappointed, she expressed support for Barber and understanding of the situation.
Blanchfield may have missed an opportunity at UFC Vegas 107, but the professionalism she showed reflects the high standards expected at the elite level. Meanwhile, the UFC will likely find a quick turnaround bout for her, depending on Barber’s recovery timeline.
Maycee Barber: Promotion
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The Flyweight Division’s State of Flux
Barber’s withdrawal and health scare add another twist to a division that has seen a resurgence in both talent and competitiveness.
Fighters like Alexa Grasso, Erin Blanchfield, Manon Fiorot, and Maycee Barber herself have revitalized interest in the women’s 125-pound division.
Shevchenko, who recently reclaimed her title after a close series with Grasso, has continued to keep a close watch on the contenders lining up for their shot. With Barber’s setback, the list remains in flux, opening doors for other fighters to seize the moment.
A Champion’s Responsibility
- Valentina Shevchenko’s reaction went beyond a simple get-well-soon. As champion, her words carry authority, and she used this platform to advocate for smarter, safer fight preparations.
- Her message wasn’t directed at Barber alone but at the entire MMA community.
- Her commentary comes at a time when the UFC and athletic commissions are facing growing scrutiny about fighter safety, particularly regarding extreme weight cuts, short-notice fights, and last-minute changes that push athletes beyond their limits.
- The idea of shedding 15-20 pounds in a few days before a fight is not uncommon in MMA. While many athletes have developed their own strategies for managing this safely, the process remains one of the riskiest aspects of the sport.
- Symptoms of a botched weight cut can include severe dehydration, kidney issues, heart problems, and in some cases, hospitalization. Fighters often gamble with their health just to make the scale, and for Shevchenko, that’s not a risk worth taking.
- Fans and fighters alike took to social media following the cancellation. UFC veterans like Roxanne Modafferi, Daniel Cormier, and even Shevchenko herself posted messages wishing Barber a swift return to health. The MMA community is often competitive, but moments like this show the sport’s compassionate side.
- Barber also later released a short statement via Instagram thanking fans for their concern and assuring everyone that she was receiving the best care possible.
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