Barber’s absence from the cage was not due to defeat or doubt, but to a harrowing medical emergency that tested her mind like never before. The 27-year-old American, who is scheduled to headline UFC Fight Night Vegas 107 on May 31 against Erin Blanchfield in a potential No. 1 contender’s bout, was shortly after her stoppage when she suffered a seizure-like episode backstage. Rushed to hospital, the incident – later diagnosed as a suspected ‘pseudo-seizure’ linked to complications from mononucleosis and an enlarged spleen – canceled the fight and sidelined her indefinitely. Doctors issued a sobering warning: A single body shot inside the Octagon could be fatal.
“It’s been one of the most challenging things I’ve experienced career-wise,” Barber admitted in an interview. recent interview with MMA Fightingher voice firm but laced with raw emotion. “There’s been a few times where I’ve sat in the kitchen or the living room and just cried.” She had to take an entire year off, followed by fifteen rounds of IV antibiotics, but suffered another collapse during the preparations. But with support from the UFC’s medical team, Barber discovered a treatment plan that ultimately turned the tide. “I feel strong, clear and ready,” she said. “This comeback is not only possible, it is already too late.”
Entering UFC 323 with a six-fight win streak intact — highlighted by dominant wins over former title challenger Jessica Eye and a unanimous decision over Katlyn Cerminara at UFC 299 in March 2024 — Barber remains a force in the talent-packed 125-pound division. Her final performance showed the explosive, striking and relentless pressure that earned her the nickname ‘Future’ at the age of 17. Now, completely clear and sharper than ever, she is focused on regaining momentum. “I don’t know if it feels like relief,” Barber told UFC.com about her return to training. “It’s more like…it’s been too long.”
Opposite her is Karine Silva, a 31-year-old Rio de Janeiro resident with a reputation for chaos. “Killer,” as she is known, has a UFC record of 5-1 since earning her contract with Dana White’s Contender Series in 2021, including brutal finishes that have fans raving. Her only Octagon loss came via unanimous decision to Viviane Araujo at UFC 309, but Silva’s mix of submission knowledge and knockout power makes her a nightmare for anyone. A win here could catapult her into the Top 5 and closer to the orbit of champion Alexandre Pantoja.
However, Barber sees opportunity in the danger. “Whoever stands in my way, I’m going to push through it to get my shot at the belt — and then take it,” she stated in an Ag. Fight during a job interview and brush off questions about her dismissal with a booming laugh. Analysts echo her confidence: Barber’s improved pocket exchanges, physicality and top control should neutralize Silva’s ground threats, potentially leading to a decision victory. Early betting lines listed Barber as -192 favorite, with many parlays banking on her experience shining through.
The emotional undercurrent of this fight extends beyond the combatants. Blanchfield’s comments after the cancellation — which suggested Barber needs to “fix her life” — sparked a backlash, prompting the contestant to respond on Instagram: “This is just a bad hand.” Undeterred, Barber has tapped into the support of fans, coaches and the MMA community. “It’s really cool to see everyone coming together,” she told TMZ Sports. “This is my time to shine.”
UFC 323 isn’t just Barber’s comeback, it caps the promotion’s PPV era before the broadcast shifted to Paramount in January. Featuring stacked prelims and main card battles like Pantoja vs. Joshua Van and Dvalishvili vs. Yan 2 promises the spectacle in Las Vegas fireworks. For Barber, though, it’s personal: a chance to remind the world why she’s still “The Future.”
As the clock ticks toward tomorrow’s weigh-ins, one thing is clear: Maycee Barber isn’t just coming back. She’s reloading.
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