Streaking flyweight standout Maycee Barber looked to take one more big step toward her first shot at flyweight gold at UFC 299.
A winner of five in a row, Barber is on the cusp of a title opportunity with wins over the likes of Jessica Eye, Andrea ‘KGB’ Lee, and Amanda Ribas. On Saturday night, ‘The Future’ faced her test yet when she met former UFC title challenger Katlyn Cerminara — formerly Chookagian.
Round 1
Maycee Barber comes out with heavy pressure and heavy strikes in the opening moments. Cerminara clinches in the center of the Octagon and lands a nice knee up the middle before separating. Barber resumes the pressure, pushing Cerminara to the cage wall. Both women work in the clinch before briefly separating. Cerminara shoots for a takedown, but Barber sprawls successfully. Cerminara initiates another clinch against the fence, but Barber reverses the position and lands a McGregor-esque shoulder strike.
Barber looks to stay busy in the clinch but eats a nice knee from Cerminara. Barber responds with a left hook. Barber reinitiates the clinch and lands an elbow inside, but ultimately gives up the dominant position to her taller opponent as the round ends.
Round 2
Both women get right after it in the second with Barber landing a nice left to the body of Cerminara. ‘Blonde Fighter’ responds with a nice straight right followed by a front kick. Barber goes low with the calf kick — Cerminara counters with a right. Barber offers a couple of high kicks but eats a counter left from Cerminara on the second one. Cerminara goes to the body with a solid kick, prompting Barber to move in and clinch against the cage.
Barber lands the fight’s first takedown, but Cerminara bounces right back up. They trade position in the clinch before Barber muscles Cerminara back down to the mat just as the second round closes.
Round 3
Maycee Barber comes out swinging in round three, prompting Cerminara to shoot and land a brief takedown. Barber pops back up and quickly separates. Cerminara goes to the body with a right kick and Barber responds with a big right hand in close. Barber lets her fists fly and Cerminara clinches up to stop the onslaught. Barber gets control of the clinch, but Cerminara’s defense allows her to briefly reverse the position before giving it back to Barber.
Barber once again muscles Cerminara back down, but Cerminara gets back up right away. Upon separating, Barber lands a glancing right hand before unleashing a high kick that misses the mark. Cerminara offers a 1-2 with little on it. Barber goes back up top with a question mark kick. Cerminara responds with a body kick. Cerminara lands a jab as Barber continues to try and close the distance.
Barber scores a nice foot sweep that takes Cerminara down to the canvas. ‘Blonde Fighter’ gets back to her feet and both women unleash some dirty boxing as the final horn sounds.
Official Result: Maycee Barber def. Katlyn Cerminara via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Check Out Highlights From Maycee Barber vs. Katlyn Cerminara at UFC 299:
Breaking into the Top 5! 💥
🔮 @MayceeBarber chalking up yet another win in a big showcase! #UFC299 pic.twitter.com/6OXF5HIXS3
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) March 10, 2024
