“Maycee Barber Rushed to Hospital: Shocking Medical Emergency Cancels UFC Main Event!”
The MMA world was rocked this week after UFC rising star Maycee Barber revealed the terrifying medical emergency that forced her to withdraw from her highly anticipated UFC Fight Night main event bout against Erin Blanchfield. Just hours before the two were set to step into the Octagon, Barber was rushed to the hospital with what she described as “violent symptoms” that left her fearing for her life.
The fight, originally scheduled as the headliner for the June 8 event, was abruptly called off, sending shockwaves through the UFC community. In a raw and emotional Instagram post, Barber opened up about the ordeal, detailing a harrowing night that included vomiting blood, severe abdominal pain, and multiple ER visits—all while trying to mentally stay ready for the biggest fight of her career.
🏥 The Medical Emergency That Changed Everything
Barber, 26, explained that symptoms began subtly just days before the fight. But by fight week, things took a frightening turn. She suffered intense stomach cramps, lost fluids rapidly, and began vomiting blood. Despite pushing through pain and attempting to meet the weight cut requirements, her condition deteriorated fast.
“I tried to keep pushing forward,” Barber said. “But when I started vomiting blood and couldn’t keep anything down, I knew this wasn’t something I could fight through.”
She was taken to the emergency room in New Jersey, where doctors initially suspected a gastrointestinal bleed. Despite receiving treatment, the symptoms persisted, forcing her to return to the ER for further tests and observation. Ultimately, the UFC’s medical team, along with Barber’s camp, made the call to cancel her participation for safety reasons.
❌ Fight Off, Fans Disappointed
Barber’s withdrawal resulted in the cancellation of what was one of the most anticipated women’s flyweight matchups of the year. Erin Blanchfield, a rising contender herself, was left without a dance partner just hours before stepping on the scale.
Fans and fellow fighters took to social media to express their support for Barber while also expressing disappointment at the fight’s cancellation. Some questioned whether the UFC should have had a backup plan in place, especially for a high-stakes main event. Others praised the organization for prioritizing Barber’s health.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Barber wrote. “I’ve never felt like I’ve let so many people down before—my team, my opponent, the fans, the UFC. But this was out of my control.”
🔄 What’s Next for Barber and the Division?
Barber (14-2) has been on a tear in the flyweight division, riding a six-fight win streak with recent wins over Amanda Ribas and Katlyn Cerminara. A victory over Blanchfield could have pushed her one step closer to a title shot against reigning champ Alexa Grasso.
While no new date has been set for the rescheduled fight, UFC President Dana White has hinted at keeping Barber vs. Blanchfield intact for a future card, depending on Barber’s recovery. As for Blanchfield, she may either wait for Barber to return or take another fight to stay active in the title picture.
“Health comes first,” White told reporters. “It’s an unfortunate situation, but we support Maycee 100% and we’ll figure out the next steps soon.”
💬 Fighter Health in the Spotlight
Barber’s situation once again highlights the brutal physical toll fighters endure—not just inside the Octagon, but in the lead-up to fight night. Weight cuts, stress, travel, and training can combine to compromise even the fittest athletes’ health. The incident reignites the conversation about medical protocols and whether the UFC should institute more backup plans or alternative matchups in case of last-minute withdrawals.
For now, the focus is on Barber’s recovery. In her own words:
“This sport requires us to be warriors, but even warriors need to listen to their bodies sometimes.”
Her return will no doubt be one of the most anticipated comebacks in the women’s division. And given her resilience, it’s likely we haven’t seen the last of Maycee “The Future” Barber.