Maycee Barber emerged as a rising star in the UFC at just 20 years old, quickly earning a contract through Dana White’s Contender Series. Following her debut, she secured three consecutive first-round TKO victories, fueling expectations that she would become one of the sport’s biggest names. The fighter, known as ‘The Future,’ confidently predicted a career trajectory that would surpass even some of the UFC’s biggest icons, including Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey.
Barber openly expressed her confidence to the UFC president, stating,
“I told him that I was gonna be as big, if not bigger than Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey and all of the stars he has,”
Barber told MMA Fighting.
“And I am one of his next big stars.”
This bold declaration reflected the high expectations placed on her by both fans and her team, who saw her as a new kind of athlete capable of reshaping women’s mixed martial arts.
The Unexpected Defeat That Halted Barber’s Momentum
After impressive victories over opponents like Hannah Cifers, JJ Aldrich, and Gillian Robertson, Barber faced veteran competitor Roxanne Modafferi at UFC 246. Modafferi was considered a heavy underdog with odds at +550, and few expected her to challenge Barber’s winning streak. However, the former title contender stunned the MMA community by dominating Barber in a surprisingly intense and bloody fight.
Alongside this defeat, Barber suffered a torn ACL, further complicating her path forward. This upset became one of the most notable surprises in 2020, dealing a hard blow to Barber’s hopes of quickly climbing to the highest levels of UFC flyweight competition. The loss slowed what had initially seemed like a seamless rise toward superstardom akin to that of ‘Rowdy’ Rousey and ‘Notorious’ McGregor.
Continuing Challenges: Weight Issues and Career Setbacks
In the years following her injury and loss, Barber has shown resilience by returning to form, stringing together six wins leading up to a recent bout against Alexa Grasso. Currently ranked as the No. 5 women’s flyweight contender, this steady comeback has renewed talk of her entering the title conversation, particularly ahead of UFC Vegas 107, where she faced Erin Blanchfield.
However, Barber’s ambitions suffered another setback when she failed to make weight at the event’s official weigh-ins. Missing the required mark compounds the challenges she already faces at this stage in her career. This weigh-in miss likely bolsters the prospects of other contenders, especially Natalia Silva, in the race for a future fight against reigning champion Valentina Shevchenko, regardless of the outcome inside the cage.
What Maycee Barber’s Journey Means for Her Future in the UFC
Maycee Barber’s early career demonstrated immense promise, with comparisons to the UFC’s biggest women’s stars and a confident belief in her ability to become one of the organization’s leading figures. Yet, critical injuries and unexpected losses have created substantial hurdles along her path. The recent weight miss and her positioning behind other contenders add to the uncertainty surrounding her rise.
Still, Barber’s determination and ability to secure multiple wins after difficult setbacks highlight her resilience. As the competition at flyweight intensifies, how she manages these ongoing challenges will play a crucial role in determining whether she can still fulfill the lofty expectations that once surrounded her star power prediction before the UFC cage.