Sport

Maycee Barber's Medical Emergency: An Unexpected Fight for Answers

2025-06-04

Author: Chun

In a startling turn of events, rising MMA star Maycee Barber was forced to withdraw from her highly-anticipated main event fight against Erin Blanchfield just moments before stepping into the octagon at UFC Vegas 107. The shocking news sent ripples through the fight community and left Barber scrambling for answers.

The drama unfolded when it was announced live during the event that Barber had suffered a seizure backstage, leaving both her and fans in disbelief. The moment is shrouded in mystery, as Maycee recalls feeling unwell just 30 minutes before her match, with her next memory being the ambulance ride to a nearby hospital.

"I hate going back and saying we have no answers, but we really don’t know what happened," Barber shared in an emotional interview with ESPN. Despite not fully remembering the moments leading up to her medical episode, she detailed how concerned officials and coaches noticed something was off and ultimately had to intervene.

Adding to the drama, Barber missed weight the previous day, tipping the scales half a pound over the flyweight limit. This wasn’t the first health scare for the athlete; she had been sidelined for months prior due to another unexplained illness. Fans are wondering if the two incidents are connected, but Barber remains uncertain.

"I was told that my autonomic nervous system might have issues, and they suggested it looked like a pseudo-seizure," she explained. However, she stressed that no definitive diagnosis has been made. Frustrated with the lack of clarity, Barber is relying on the UFC to facilitate her medical evaluations containing aspirations for a diagnosis.

Reflecting on that fateful night, Barber expressed disbelief and disappointment. "I felt great. I was confident. I was ready to step into the spotlight of my first main event," she lamented. Now, she faces a painful waiting game as she seeks clarity on her health and future in the sport.

Moving forward, Barber remains cautious. "Health is the top priority. Until we get to the bottom of this, I can’t be confident in stepping back into the cage," she concluded. With all eyes on her recovery, the MMA world is hoping for a swift resolution so that Barber can continue her quest for championship glory.

As this saga unfolds, fans hold their breath for her comeback, waiting to see how this tough competitor will navigate her way back into the ring.