Maycee Barber Goes off on Valentina Shevchenko's OnlyFans After Ronda Rousey's Comments

Barber weighed in on the situation, and her stance aligns firmly with Rousey’s perspective (via MMA Fighting on YouTube):

When asked about the situation by MMA Fighting, Barber did not hold back in her assessment of the current champion, saying, “Ronda Rousey is the reason why Valentina gets to fight in the UFC,” acknowledging the pioneer status of the former UFC superstar.

She then pivoted to a more personal critique of Shevchenko’s decision to utilize the subscription platform. 

“Valentina’s lack of personality is the reason why Valentina has an OnlyFans,” Barber added, directly linking the champion’s off-camera presence to her business ventures outside the Octagon.

Ronda Rousey's Original Comment

The conflict originated earlier this month when Rousey, promoting her return fight against Gina Carano, launched into a rant about UFC fighter pay. 

She specifically named Shevchenko, claiming that even champions are forced to seek outside income:

https://www.youtube.com/live/EEg843aMQM8?si=ogfCOZFvH27KO3ls

Rousey stated, "It’s why their champions like Valentina [Shevchenko] are selling pictures of their t--ties on OnlyFans."

Shevchenko quickly fired back at Rousey on social media:

Maycee Barber's Rise

Barber’s comments come at a crucial juncture in her own career, as she aims to position herself as the next title challenger. She believes a dominant performance against Grasso this weekend will make her undeniable for a shot at Shevchenko’s belt.

Watch their first fight here (via UFC on YouTube): 

“I think I match up great, but right now my focus is on Grasso. After I beat Grasso, then I’ll be talking about how I match up against Valentina,” she said. “But I think Valentina is getting older, and I think this is the perfect time for me to go and take that belt from her.”

The 27-year-old contender is currently riding a seven-fight win streak and views a victory over the former champion as the final piece of her resume. 

“Me coming off of a seven-fight win streak, beating her and having a dominant performance will put me at an eight-fight win streak, and her being a former title holder, it just is perfect,” she explained.

The first meeting between Barber and Grasso took place in February 2021, with Grasso winning a unanimous decision.

Barber admits she lost to the better fighter that night but insists she is a completely different competitor now, citing the third round of that fight as a preview of her true potential.

As she seeks revenge against Grasso, Barber is also positioning herself as the antidote to what she perceives as Shevchenko’s reserved style. She suggested that UFC CEO Dana White would prefer an aggressive finisher as champion. 

“I don’t think Dana wants a point fighter as a champion,” Barber said.

Heading into UFC Fight Night 271 this weekend, Barber remains focused on handling business against Grasso. With a win, she intends to make good on her promise to challenge Shevchenko, adding another layer of heat to a potential future title fight.