Maycee Barber is still struggling to figure out the mysterious illness that is keeping her on the sidelines.
In March, ‘The Future’ scored her sixth-straight win inside the Octagon, besting Katlyn Cerminara at UFC 299 in Miami. Sadly, her celebration was short-lived after Barber was hospitalized with a mysterious infection that led to pneumonia.
Just when it looked like Barber was on the mend and ready to resume her rise up the flyweight ranks, she offered a somewhat bleak update on social media, revealing that doctors are still struggling to discover the affliction that is affecting not only her career but her way of life.
“A bit of transparency: the last several months have been some of the most mentally challenging, frustrating, and discouraging times that I have experienced,” Barber wrote on Instagram. “I have worked with over 15 different doctors and medical professionals searching for answers and a path back to not just fighting but the gym itself. I’ve been staying patient, praying daily and trusting in the fact that God has a plan and a purpose for everything in life. But to be honest it’s hard and it hasn’t gotten easier.
“I’ve had so many ups and downs and been told so many different things about what could be going on. So many emotions going into each day and many days where I’m mentally exhausted and just want to sleep. I never thought that I would be in a position where I feel so close to the belt while feeling so far away at the same time. I definitely didn’t see the path to being a champion looking like this but nonetheless I will continue to push forward and I WILL BE THE FLYWEIGHT CHAMPION. It’s on God’s time not mine.”
Maycee Barber is Still One Win Away From Her First UFC Title Opportunity
Barber currently sits as the No. 4 ranked contender in the division and could very well be one big win away from her first UFC title opportunity. That victory could have come at UFC Denver earlier this year when she was scheduled to square off with former two-time strawweight queen ‘Thug’ Rose Namajunas. Sadly, Barber was forced to bow out of the bout.
Overall, ‘The Future’ is 14-2 in her mixed martial arts career with nine of those victories coming under the UFC banner.
Check out some of Maycee Barber’s best highlights inside the Octagon below: