On May 31, 2025, the UFC Vegas 107 main event between Maycee Barber and Erin Blanchfield was canceled just moments before the fighters were set to walk to the octagon at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Barber, unable to compete due to a reported medical issue, possibly a seizure, was transported to a hospital. The sudden cancellation prompted harsh criticism from Blanchfield, who called Barber unprofessional. On June 1, Barber broke her silence with a statement on Instagram, apologizing to the UFC and her opponent while firmly addressing her critics.
A Chaotic End to Fight Week
The main event was set to be a pivotal flyweight clash, with No. 7-ranked Barber facing No. 4-ranked Blanchfield. The fight week was already turbulent, as Barber missed weight by half a pound, coming in at 126.5 pounds on May 30. Despite this, the bout was confirmed to proceed at a catchweight, with Barber forfeiting 20 percent of her purse. However, as the promotional video aired and Blanchfield waited in the doorway, commentators announced Barber’s withdrawal due to a medical emergency, leaving fans and fighters stunned.
Barber was reportedly set to walk out when she turned back to the locker room. UFC executive Hunter Campbell informed Blanchfield that Barber had suffered a seizure and could not compete. The abrupt cancellation marked a rare and dramatic moment in UFC history, leaving Blanchfield to face the media alone.
Barber’s Response and Apology
On June 1, Barber posted on Instagram, addressing the incident and the fallout. “Not what I had planned for a Sunday post,” she wrote:
“Thank you to everyone for the prayers and support. I owe an apology to UFC, [Mick Maynard, Dana White, Sean Shelby, and Erin Blanchfield].”
Her statement expressed gratitude to her supporters and regret for the cancellation, though she provided no specific details about her medical condition.
Barber also responded to Blanchfield’s post-fight comments, which labeled her “a complete mess in every aspect of her entire life.” Barber countered:
“P.S.: My life is not messy this is just a bad hand. We will get to the bottom of it all and be back.” Her defiant tone signaled her intent to return to the octagon after resolving her health issues.
Barber, nicknamed “The Future,” has faced significant health challenges in recent years. After her unanimous decision win over Katlyn Cerminara at UFC 299 in March 2024, she was hospitalized for nine days due to a mysterious illness that included pneumonia and required multiple rounds of antibiotic. This led to her withdrawal from a UFC Denver main event against Rose Namajunas in July 2024. Her 14-month layoff before UFC Vegas 107 raised concerns, with Blanchfield noting Barber’s history of pulling out of fights.
The two fighters have a history of tension. A previously scheduled bout years ago was canceled due to Barber’s injury, and pre-fight verbal exchanges intensified the rivalry. Barber called Blanchfield’s concerns about her reliability “ignorant,” while Blanchfield expressed doubts about Barber making it to fight night. The weight miss and last-second withdrawal only fueled the animosity.
The cancellation disrupted both fighters’ paths toward a flyweight title shot against champion Valentina Shevchenko. Blanchfield, coming off a win over Namajunas at UFC Edmonton in November 2024, aimed to solidify her contender status. Barber, with a six-fight win streak, hoped to leap into the top-five rankings.
The incident sparked varied reactions on X, with some fans criticizing Barber’s weight miss and withdrawal, while others, like user @Nightwing593, defended her, noting the seizure’s severity and questioning its link to the weight cut.
Blanchfield has stated she has no interest in rescheduling the fight, preferring to face other top-five contenders like Natalia Silva. Barber’s statement suggests she’s focused on recovery and a return, but her health remains a concern, with no clear timeline for her next fight.
The UFC Vegas 107 cancellation left the MMA community reeling, with fighters like Renato Moicano expressing shock on X. The event, which included Mateusz Gamrot’s win over Ludovit Klein in the co-main event, was overshadowed by the main event’s collapse. Barber’s hospital visit and lack of detailed medical updates have left fans awaiting clarity on her condition.
Barber’s apology and determination to return show her resilience, but the incident has raised questions about her future in the flyweight division. As Blanchfield moves on to new challenges, Barber faces the task of overcoming health setbacks to reclaim her momentum. Her promise to “be back” reflects her fighting spirit, but the road ahead remains uncertain.
