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UFC Main Event Fighter Suffers Medical Scare and Withdraws Last-Minute, Leaving Opponent Furious 'She Needs to Fix Her Life'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael Aldon | Last updated Jun 1, 2025 2:06 AM ET

UFC Vegas 107 in the Apex took place in the heavily criticized Apex and was filled with only 10 fights, most of which were inconsequential to their respective divisions. The main event between Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber, at the very least, was a dramatic showdown between two women who seemed to legitimately despise each other based on their official faceoff and their interviews. With future flyweight title stakes on the line and a clash of similar styles, their fight had the potential to deliver. Everything descended into chaos, however, moments before the main event.

Barber reportedly suffered from a seizure, forcing the cancellation of her anticipated flyweight clash with Blanchfield. The fight was scrapped just minutes before the walkouts, leaving fans, fighters, and officials stunned.

Barber, who had already missed weight by 1.5 pounds the day prior, was deemed unfit to compete by UFC medical staff, marking another setback in her tumultuous return from a 14-month layoff due to health issues.

The 27-year-old had not competed since March 2024, when she defeated Katlyn Cerminara at UFC 299 before being hospitalized for nine days with an undisclosed illness. Her comeback fight against Rose Namajunas in July 2024 was also scrapped due to lingering health complications.

Blanchfield, who was warming up for the fight when the news broke, did not mince words afterward.

During the press conference after the event, Blanchfield said to reporters, "She needs to look at another division. She needs to fix her life. She needs to fix herself. I think she's a mess in every aspect of her entire life."

The incident raises serious questions about Barber’s fighting future. Her team has not yet released a statement, but the supposed seizure, paired with her recent medical history, suggests deeper health concerns.

UFC fans noted her visibly drained appearance during weigh-ins, and some have speculated that her weight cut may have triggered an episode. Barber, once a rising star on a six-fight win streak who burst onto the scene after winning Dana White's Contender Series, now faces scrutiny over her ability to compete at the elite level

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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