Maycee Barber has faced some rough moments in her MMA career, but nothing compares to the past 18 months. The 27-year-old flyweight didn’t suffer a loss inside the cage, instead, she’s been fighting a battle outside of it.
Barber’s momentum came to a screeching halt after health issues forced her out of competition for nearly a year. She was set to face former UFC champion Rose Namajunas before an extended hospital stay put her on the sidelines. Just when she thought she was ready to return, another medical emergency hit, this time moments before her walkout against Erin Blanchfield.
“I woke up in an ambulance with no memory of what just happened,” Barber said. “It’s been one of the most challenging things I’ve faced in my career. There were nights I just sat down and cried. I felt so close to everything I’ve worked for, yet so far away.”
Despite the emotional toll, Barber stayed determined. Doctors couldn’t pinpoint the exact cause of her health issues, but she refused to let uncertainty define her. She’d battled through an illness in 2024 that required heavy antibiotics, which left lingering effects she still deals with today.
“When I was preparing for Rose, they told me I might need at least a year off,” Barber recalled. “I followed everything they said, all the recovery steps, but it was frustrating not having answers. My body just wasn’t the same.”
Barber admits she’s always been stubborn, the kind of fighter who pushes through pain. But this time was different. Her body forced her to slow down. From low blood pressure to fatigue, she realised she was dealing with more than just a physical setback.
Still, the UFC never turned its back on her. When Barber collapsed before her fight with Blanchfield, the promotion immediately got her the help she needed. She met with top neurologists in Boston, underwent endless scans, and finally started a recovery plan that’s working.
“It’s been tough,” she said. “But I’m grateful the UFC stood by me. They helped me find the right doctors, and now I feel amazing, mentally and physically. I’m back in shape, training hard, and ready to remind everyone who I am.”
Barber knows fans have questions about her health, but she’s focused on what’s ahead. She’s been running tests, monitoring everything from bloodwork to recovery, and making sure nothing holds her back this time.
“I feel great,” Barber said. “Everything’s dialled in, sleep, training, weight. This isn’t about a bad weight cut or anything like that. This is me getting back to being myself.”
Through it all, Barber’s mindset has shifted. She’s learned to trust the process and believe in something bigger than herself.
“I’ve had to accept that not everything is in my control,” she said. “It’s in God’s hands. I’ve been through a lot, but I’m still standing. And I know this is all part of a bigger plan.”
Barber’s story isn’t just about recovery, it’s about resilience. Her fire to become UFC champion burns stronger than ever, and the time away has only sharpened her hunger.
“This is my time to shine,” Barber said confidently. “This next fight is where I make a statement, a dominant finish, a dominant win. This is the start of my title run.”
