The upcoming UFC Vegas 107 event at the Apex on May 31 will feature a significant flyweight matchup between two promising fighters at early stages in their careers. Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber, both aiming to edge closer to Valentina Shevchenko’s title, enter the Octagon with ambitions tied closely to the desire of becoming one of the youngest UFC champions in history. This pursuit inevitably invites comparisons to the current record holder, Jon Jones, who set a remarkable standard years earlier.
Maycee Barber, who made her UFC debut in November 2018 after earning her place through Dana White’s Contender Series, has steadily grown her reputation. Erin Blanchfield entered the UFC in September 2021, following strong performances in Invicta, Cage Fury FC, and notable achievements in submission grappling. Both athletes were hailed as standout prospects with potential to rise quickly within their divisions.
Setbacks Prevented Blanchfield and Barber from Shattering Record
Early in their UFC tenures, conversations frequently compared Blanchfield and Barber to Jon Jones’ record as the youngest UFC champion. Jones secured the light heavyweight title at UFC 128 when he was only 23 years and 8 months old. This benchmark has proven exceptionally difficult to surpass.
Erin Blanchfield enjoyed a six-fight win streak and defeated former title challenger Taila Santos, seemingly positioning her near a title shot. However, delays caused by the ongoing trilogy between Valentina Shevchenko and Alexa Grasso postponed any chance of a title fight at that time. Consequently, Blanchfield missed an opportunity not only to break Jones’ record but also to surpass Rose Namajunas’ mark as the youngest female UFC champion, set at 25 years and 4 months.
Blanchfield’s pursuit halted after her first UFC loss to Manon Fiorot in March of last year, occurring when she was 24 years and 10 months old.
Maycee Barber’s path faced interruptions sooner. After winning three consecutive fights, her streak ended with a loss to Roxanne Modafferi in January 2020 at UFC 246—an upset delivered when Barber was 21 years and 8 months old. A hoped-for comeback was delayed by another defeat to Alexa Grasso at UFC 258 the following year. These setbacks interrupted her trajectory toward breaking Jon Jones’ youngest UFC champion record.
Historical Context: Youngest UFC Champions and Tournament Winners
While Jon Jones holds the record for the youngest male UFC champion and Rose Namajunas holds the equivalent for females, the promotion’s history offers other perspectives on youthful success. Before UFC titles were associated with divisions, winning a tournament represented the ultimate achievement.
Vitor Belfort was the youngest to claim such a tournament victory, winning the heavyweight bracket at UFC 12 when he was only 19 years old. Belfort’s early success places him in the annals of UFC pioneers, and he is scheduled to enter the UFC Hall of Fame’s pioneer wing during this year’s International Fight Week, recognizing his impact on the sport.
Looking Ahead for Blanchfield and Barber Amidst Intense Competition
Although Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber have not yet matched or surpassed Jon Jones youngest UFC champion record, their early accomplishments suggest potential for future title contentions. As UFC Vegas 107 approaches with a top-five flyweight showdown, both fighters remain in the conversation for climbing the ranks toward Valentina Shevchenko’s reign.
Their careers illustrate the challenges faced by young athletes striving for early championship glory amidst the sport’s evolving landscape and competitive depth. Continued development and resilience will be critical as both fighters pursue their goals within the UFC division hierarchy.