LAS VEGAS – The anticipation builds as UFC returns to its home turf in Las Vegas, following a week-long break. The main event for UFC on ESPN 68 is officially set after the headliners stepped on the scale on Friday, but not without a surprising twist involving weight management.
As the fighters prepared for the official weigh-ins ahead of the event, Erin Blanchfield (13-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC) showcased her skills by stepping onto the scale early. She confidently made the championship weight of 125 pounds, easily meeting the requirements for a non-title bout, which allows for a 1-pound allowance. Her successful weigh-in sets a positive tone as she gears up for this crucial fight.
On the other hand, Maycee Barber (14-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC) faced challenges during her weigh-in. Initially weighing in at 127 pounds on her first attempt, Barber's subsequent attempt showed her at 126.5 pounds. Although she had the option to continue cutting weight to meet the required limit, she decided against it, informing the commission representative that she was done. As a result, Barber will incur a penalty by surrendering a percentage of her purse to Blanchfield due to her weight miss, marking the first time in her career that she has failed to make weight.
This fight marks Barber's return to the octagon after nearly 15 months away from competition. Despite the setback at the weigh-in, she approaches this bout with a six-fight winning streak, making her a formidable opponent, albeit a significant underdog in this matchup against Blanchfield.
Fans can look forward to an exciting night at UFC on ESPN 68, set to take place Saturday at the UFC Apex. The stakes are high as both fighters prepare to showcase their skills in the octagon. For those interested, video footage of Barber and Blanchfield’s weigh-in experiences is available, providing insight into the intense pre-fight atmosphere. Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable event in the world of mixed martial arts.
