The highly anticipated main event of UFC Vegas 107 was abruptly canceled just moments before the fighters were set to enter the Octagon. Maycee Barber and Erin Blanchfield, both ranked in the top five of the women's flyweight division, were preparing for a thrilling showdown in Las Vegas when the news broke that Barber was not medically cleared to compete. The situation unfolded dramatically, with ESPN airing a pre-fight feature that included interviews from both fighters, only for the broadcast team to later announce Barber's withdrawal due to a last-minute medical issue.
After the pre-fight features, the commentators delivered the disappointing news that Barber had not received medical clearance. In a post-fight interview, Blanchfield revealed that UFC executive Hunter Campbell informed her that Barber had suffered a seizure. "I was a little in disbelief," Blanchfield stated, reflecting on the shocking timing of the cancellation. "We were told just six minutes to walkout. I had already warmed up and was ready to go; I could literally smell the cage." This unexpected turn of events left both fighters and fans reeling.
The day prior to the fight, Barber faced additional challenges when she missed weight by half a pound, resulting in her forfeiting 20% of her purse to Blanchfield. This incident was part of a series of weight-related issues that plagued the card. Blanchfield had expressed skepticism earlier in the week regarding Barber's ability to make weight, but once Barber successfully weighed in, Blanchfield believed they were in the clear for the fight.
As for the future, Blanchfield was quick to dismiss the idea of rescheduling the bout against Barber, stating, “My coaches right away were like, ‘Don’t entertain her, she’s not on your level, super unprofessional.’” Blanchfield is eager to set up a new fight against another top-five opponent, which could bring her closer to a title shot in the competitive UFC women's flyweight division.
Barber, who entered the matchup riding a six-fight win streak, will need to regroup as her immediate future in the Octagon remains uncertain following this setback. Blanchfield is coming off a rebound victory against former champion Rose Namajunas after suffering her first loss in the UFC to Manon Fiorot earlier this year.
Despite the main event cancellation, the UFC Vegas 107 card featured several exciting matchups:
Lightweight: Mateusz Gamrot def. Ludovit Klein via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Welterweight: Ramiz Brahimaj def. Billy Ray Goff via submission (guillotine) at 3:16 of Round 1 Light heavyweight: Dustin Jacoby def. Bruno Lopes via KO (punches) at 1:50 of Round 1 Women's featherweight: Ketlen Vieira def. Macy Chiasson via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) Middleweight: Zachary Reese def. Dusko Todorovic via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)The preliminary fights also delivered excitement and showcased emerging talent in the UFC:
Flyweight: Allan Nascimento def. Jafel Filho via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) Lightweight: Jordan Leavitt def. Kurt Holobaugh via submission (anaconda choke) at 1:39 of Round 1 Lightweight: Bolaji Oki def. Michael Aswell via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) Women’s strawweight: Alice Ardelean def. Rayanne dos Santos via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)The cancellation of the Maycee Barber vs. Erin Blanchfield fight has left fans eager for updates on both fighters' futures and potential matchups in the UFC women's flyweight division.
