On June 1, major alterations impacted the UFC schedule, including Maycee Barber forced out of UFC Vegas 107 just moments before her fight and a key venue change for the upcoming Noche UFC 3 event. These developments disrupted original plans and left fans and fighters facing unexpected challenges.
Noche UFC 3 Venue Shifted Due to Construction Delays
Noche UFC 3 was originally slated for September 13 at Arena Guadalajara in Guadalajara, Mexico. However, construction delays have led the UFC to relocate the event entirely. Instead of the intended Mexican venue, the card will now be held at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. This move also meant the event was downgraded from a pay-per-view to a Fight Night card, and a planned title fight was removed from the lineup. The UFC confirmed these changes publicly on May 31.
Maycee Barber Withdraws from UFC Vegas 107 Moments Before the Fight
UFC Vegas 107 was to be headlined by an important women’s flyweight bout between promising contenders Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber. Barber’s sudden removal came as a shock, occurring just seconds before she was set to enter the octagon. Barber has endured serious medical challenges over the past year, leading many to speculate her withdrawal could relate to these ongoing issues. Reports revealed that Barber suffered a seizure shortly before walking out, prompting a doctor to cancel the fight to protect her health.
Erin Blanchfield Reacts to Barber’s Last-Minute Medical Emergency
Following the withdrawal announcement, Erin Blanchfield shared her perspective in an interview with Megan Olivi. She described how UFC executive Hunter Campbell informed them about Barber’s condition in the locker room before the fight.
“Hunter [Campbell] came in [to our locker room] and was saying that [Barber] was having a seizure and she was having medical issues and that she’s not going to be able to fight.”
—Erin Blanchfield, UFC Fighter
On-Air Betting Advisor Experiences Awkward Moment During Broadcast
Adding to the tense atmosphere of the event, Minty Bets, the UFC’s newly appointed on-air sports betting advisor, encountered a difficult moment during the broadcast of UFC Vegas 107. Before the first main card bout between Zachary Reese and Dusko Todorovic, Bets stumbled while explaining her betting approach, losing her train of thought for several seconds and causing noticeable reactions from the audience.
“I’ve got to find something similar for a better price. Excuse me, I’ve got to find something similar for a better price. Oops, I’m so sorry. I’ve got to find something similar for a better price and I am betting on, oh my goodness, sorry.”
—Minty Bets, UFC Betting Advisor
Impact and Outlook Following the Sudden Changes
The unexpected withdrawal of Maycee Barber from UFC Vegas 107 just minutes before her bout highlights ongoing concerns regarding fighter health and safety in mixed martial arts. With Barber facing serious medical issues, the UFC’s decision to cancel the fight was critical to protect her well-being. Additionally, Noche UFC 3’s relocation to San Antonio reflects the unpredictable nature of event planning in the sport due to logistical complications. Moving forward, fans and fighters alike will be watching closely how these shifts affect the fighters’ momentum and the overall UFC schedule in the coming months.