SPORTS

The unexpected turn of events in the UFC's latest showdown

Las Vegas, USASun Jun 01 2025
The UFC's latest event, UFC Vegas 107, was set to feature a highly anticipated match between Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber. The fight was scheduled to take place at the Apex, a venue known for hosting UFC events. However, things took a surprising turn just before the main event. The day before the fight, Barber failed to meet the required weight limit of 126 pounds. She was forced to forfeit 20% of her earnings, but the fight was still on. The tension between the two fighters was palpable during the ceremonial weigh-in, with both exchanging insults. Barber, 27, had not competed since March of the previous year. A victory over Blanchfield would have significantly boosted her standing in the flyweight division. However, just minutes before the fight was set to begin, the UFC announced that Barber was not medically cleared to compete. This sudden withdrawal left fans and fighters alike in shock. Blanchfield, who had recently secured an impressive win, was disappointed by Barber's last-minute withdrawal. She described it as "super unprofessional" but later suggested that a seizure might have been the cause. Barber had a history of health issues, and Blanchfield had even predicted that she might withdraw from the fight just days before the event. This was not the first time Barber had pulled out of a fight. She had a history of withdrawals, which added to the speculation about her reliability as a fighter. Despite this, Barber had a strong record, with six consecutive wins leading up to this event. Blanchfield, on the other hand, was eager to secure another big win to put herself back in the title contention. Her prediction about Barber's withdrawal raised questions about the fighter's commitment and health. The UFC's decision to pay Blanchfield both her show and win money highlighted the financial implications of such last-minute changes. In the end, the fight was canceled, and Blanchfield moved on to other opportunities. The incident served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional fighting and the importance of fighter health and reliability.

questions

    How often do fighters withdraw from matches due to medical issues in the UFC, and is this a common occurrence?
    Were there any suspicious activities leading up to the fight that might explain Barber's last-minute withdrawal?
    What are the potential long-term health implications for fighters who frequently withdraw from matches due to medical issues?

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