UFC flyweight contender Erin Blanchfield has recently altered her critical stance toward fellow fighter Maycee Barber. The two promising talents in the UFC’s flyweight division were slated to face off in a significant matchup at UFC Vegas 107. With the reigning UFC flyweight champion, Valentina Shevchenko, present at the Apex to observe her potential challengers, anticipation was high. However, just moments before Blanchfield and Barber were due to enter the Octagon, a shocking turn of events unfolded.
As the pre-fight video package played during the UFC Vegas 107 broadcast, the atmosphere shifted dramatically when the venue fell silent. Fans, eagerly awaiting the entrance of the two flyweights, were left in confusion. Octagon announcer Bruce Buffer subsequently announced the cancellation of the main event due to a medical issue affecting Barber. Following the incident, Erin Blanchfield expressed her disappointment, labeling Barber as ‘super unprofessional’ after the unexpected medical scare.
The situation escalated further when Barber was promptly transported to a local hospital after experiencing a seizure backstage. Fortunately, she provided a positive health update just days later. Blanchfield’s initial remarks sparked mixed reactions among fans, with many questioning the fairness of her criticism towards Barber given the circumstances of her hospitalization.
In a recent interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Erin Blanchfield took the opportunity to clarify her earlier comments regarding Maycee Barber’s professionalism. “She can’t control medical issues that she’s having, so that’s not unprofessional,” Blanchfield explained. “I meant more the weight miss on Friday and the way she approached it. I believe she was offered more time to cut weight and didn’t; she missed weight and was still acting the way she was at the weigh-ins.”
Blanchfield maintained her view that Barber’s reliability was in question, citing Barber’s previous withdrawal from their scheduled fight in 2021 due to injury, as well as the recent cancellation. “I know she has issues, but if she does have those severe medical issues, that’s why I wouldn’t want to be matched up with her again,” she admitted. Blanchfield reflected on her emotional reaction, noting that Barber should have been more transparent about her condition to avoid last-minute complications.
Leading up to UFC Vegas 107, Blanchfield had expressed doubts about Barber making it to fight night, and now, their rivalry remains unresolved. Despite her previous reluctance to fight Barber again, Blanchfield has since softened her stance, indicating she would consider a rematch if Barber's activity level improves in the future.
As for Valentina Shevchenko, her next opponent remains uncertain amid ongoing discussions about a potential fight with UFC strawweight champion Zhang Weili. Another contender, Natalia Silva, has also emerged as a serious challenger following her impressive victory over Alexa Grasso at UFC 315. Shevchenko last defended her flyweight title against Manon Fiorot at UFC 315 after reclaiming it from Grasso at UFC 306.
The rivalry between Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber is just beginning, but fans should keep an eye out for potential future matchups as both fighters continue to advance their careers in the UFC’s competitive flyweight division.
