UFC Fighter Slams Opponent Following Last-Minute Main Event Cancellation Due to Seizure: ‘She’s a Total Mess’

The highly anticipated women’s flyweight fight between Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber at UFC Vegas 107 was suddenly called off. Just moments before they were set to enter the octagon, Barber suffered a seizure backstage, leaving her unfit to compete.

Blanchfield shared her frustration at a press conference. “She needs to look at another division,” she said, pointing out Barber’s struggles and questioning her professionalism. “You expect athletes at this level to be professional. Missing weight and then this happens? It’s hard to believe.”

Blanchfield expressed disbelief not just at the seizure but also at Barber missing weight by half a pound the day before. “We knew about this fight since January. You could have made weight,” she remarked, showing her disappointment. “I don’t want to fight her again; I’d like to see other options.”

In response, Barber took to Instagram, posting from a hospital bed. She thanked fans for their support and apologized for letting everyone down. “My life is not messy; this is just a bad hand,” she wrote, asking for understanding as she works through this issue.

This match was crucial for both fighters. Blanchfield, ranked No. 4, aimed to solidify her position as a top contender, while Barber, ranked No. 5, was on a six-fight winning streak and trying to rebuild after a long layoff.

The cancellation sparked a wave of reactions on social media. Fans expressed mixed feelings, with some supporting Barber and others echoing Blanchfield’s concerns about professionalism in the sport. This incident sheds light on the pressures and challenges fighters face, both physically and mentally.

Statistics show that fighter health and safety are ongoing concerns in MMA. According to a recent study by the Fight Industry Research Institute, approximately 20% of fighters have experienced severe injuries or health issues during their careers, raising questions about training practices and match preparedness.

As Barber recuperates, the future of the women’s flyweight division remains uncertain, making it an intriguing landscape to watch.

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