The highly anticipated UFC Fight Night event featuring Erin Blanchfield versus Maycee Barber at the Las Vegas APEX was overshadowed when the main event was abruptly cancelled due to Barber experiencing a seizure backstage. This medical emergency, widely connected to Barber’s challenging weight cut, led to the sudden removal of the flyweight title contender bout from the card. The cancellation raises questions about Barber’s ability to make the 125-pound limit safely and what adjustments might be required going forward.
The focus now turns to Barber’s future in the UFC and the consequences this incident has on the flyweight division. The event’s disruption also leaves fans and matchmakers considering new matchups and title contention pathways. This unexpected development places the spotlight on the challenges fighters face with weight management and its impact on their careers.
Weight Cutting Problems Affect Multiple Bouts, Forcing Changes
Weight issues were a recurring problem throughout the event, not only for Barber but also in the bantamweight division. Ketlen Vieira was unable to make the 135-pound mark before weigh-ins, resulting in her scheduled fight against Macy Chiasson being contested at 145 pounds instead. Despite missing weight, Vieira performed strongly and secured a decisive victory over Chiasson by decision.
Given Vieira’s track record and this incident being her first weight miss since 2021, the UFC might overlook the slip. A plausible next step for Vieira would be a rematch against former bantamweight titleholder Raquel Pennington, whose last encounter with Vieira ended in a contentious split decision in January 2023. If Vieira succeeds in a rematch, she could potentially claim the spot as next in line for the winner between Julianna Pena and Kayla Harrison, thus pushing her back into title contention.
Assessing Maycee Barber’s Future: Potential Move to Bantamweight
Maycee Barber’s difficulties making the flyweight limit have called into question her viability at 125 pounds. With her health and performance compromised during the recent weigh-in, a move up to the bantamweight division (135 pounds) has been suggested as a more sustainable path. The bantamweight category features a thinner talent pool, which might give Barber a quicker route to title contention if she adapts well.
A compelling potential opponent at 135 pounds would be No.4 ranked Norma Dumont, who is on a five-fight winning streak, including notable victories over Germaine de Randamie and Irene Aldana. A fight between Barber and Dumont would serve as a litmus test for Barber’s ability to compete at the higher weight class, with the winner likely positioning themselves as a top contender. Should Barber face defeat, taking time to reconsider her weight class options would be prudent.
It is clear that, regardless of the opponent, Barber’s next fight must be at 135 pounds to prioritize her health and career longevity.
Erin Blanchfield Responds to Cancellation, Eyes New Contenders
Erin Blanchfield expressed frustration publicly after the cancellation of her main event bout with Barber, pointing directly at Barber’s failed weight cut as the underlying cause. Blanchfield made it clear that she has no interest in the fight being rescheduled, indicating a rupture in the relationship between the two flyweight contenders.
With potential shifts in the flyweight title scene, including the possibility of strawweight champion Weili Zhang moving up to challenge 125-pound champion Valentina Shevchenko, Blanchfield stands to benefit from a fresh matchup. This scenario paves the way for a clash with No.1 ranked Natalia Silva, who recently defeated former titleholder Alexa Grasso and currently holds top contender status.
A fight between Blanchfield and Silva would be a pivotal contest for the flyweight division, with the victor likely moving closer to a championship opportunity. This matchup could serve as a thrilling headliner at an upcoming Fight Night event, intensifying the flyweight title chase.
Dustin Jacoby’s Impressive Win Could Reignite His UFC Career
One of the few bright spots of the evening was Dustin Jacoby’s swift knockout victory over Bruno Lopes, achieved in less than two minutes. Jacoby, a skilled kickboxer, had fallen out of the UFC’s top fifteen at light heavyweight following losses to Alonzo Menifield and Dominick Reyes during 2023 and 2024, but his recent performance suggests he deserves another chance against ranked opponents.
A logical next opponent for Jacoby would be No.10 ranked Nikita Krylov, a Ukrainian fighter with solid all-around skills who has fought just once since 2023, losing by knockout to Reyes. Both fighters need to prove they belong among the elite, and a matchup between them as a Fight Night co-headliner would offer valuable clarity on their standings in the division.
Mateusz Gamrot Emerges as a Rising Lightweight Contender
Mateusz Gamrot reinforced his status as a dark horse in the lightweight division by dominating Ludovit Klein in a bout that functioned as an unofficial main event. Currently ranked No.7, Gamrot showcased his ability to hang with the elite, erasing concerns caused by a previous loss to Dan Hooker last year.
Looking ahead, Gamrot’s potential next fights include a rematch with No.1 contender Arman Tsarukyan, whom he defeated in June 2022. Tsarukyan is seeking fights following a withdrawal from a planned title bout and has also been linked with Paddy Pimblett. However, Gamrot has expressed interest in facing Benoit Saint-Denis, ranked No.13, who recently snapped a losing streak and is eager to climb the lightweight ladder.
This possible fight was humorously underscored by Gamrot renaming Saint-Denis “God of Comfort Zone,” promising an entertaining matchup later in 2025 that could either cement Gamrot’s place in the title race or prompt further recalibration.
Implications for UFC’s Future Matchmaking and Title Picture
The cancellation of Maycee Barber’s headline fight at UFC Fight Night highlights the risks and pressures surrounding extreme weight cutting. The UFC faces critical decisions about handling such risks while maintaining high-profile bouts that build division narratives. For Barber, a move to bantamweight seems the most sustainable option, potentially setting up fresh rivalries and a clear path toward championship contention.
Meanwhile, Erin Blanchfield’s insistence on not rescheduling her bout with Barber and the chance to battle Natalia Silva signals an evolving rivalry poised to redefine the flyweight division’s top tier. Fighters like Dustin Jacoby and Mateusz Gamrot, who surged with important wins, offer promising matchups that can rejuvenate their careers and energize their respective weight classes.
As the UFC rebuilds its fight cards post-Fight Night, fans can expect a series of intriguing contests designed to sort rankings and title contenders, while addressing the health and safety of fighters amid the ongoing challenge of weight management.