The highly anticipated main event of UFC Vegas 107 between Maycee Barber and Erin Blanchfield was abruptly canceled on May 31, 2025, leaving the UFC world in shock. The fight was canceled after Barber, who was returning after a 14-month break due to prior health issues, reportedly had a seizure minutes before entering the Octagon.  

A Sudden Turn of Events

Barber and Blanchfield, two of the top contenders in the women’s flyweight division, had been the main event of the evening. But when neither boxer showed up after the pre-main event video, confusion resulted. At first, UFC fans and the public were in the dark, and an unplanned commercial break made matters worse. Later, Brendan Fitzgerald verified that Barber was not prepared to walk because of a “health event,” which turned out to be a seizure.

Just before the fight, Barber was deemed medically unfit and was taken right away to a hospital in Las Vegas for assessment. UFC authorities have not yet acknowledged the cause of her medical issue.  

Pre-Fight Concerns

Prior to UFC Vegas 107, Barber’s health crisis wasn’t the first indication of problems. There were questions over her readiness for the fight because she had missed weight by half a pound during the weigh-ins. The battle was set to go forward even though she would lose twenty percent of her cash.

The ceremonial weigh-in face-off revealed tensions between the boxers, as Blanchfield called Barber a “clown” for missing weight after Barber had previously called Blanchfield the same.  

Blanchfield’s Reaction

No. 4 in the women’s flyweight division, Erin Blanchfield, was shocked and upset by the abrupt cancellation. Barber was deemed unprofessional by her, and she described Barber as a “complete mess” who “needs to fix her life.” After her recent victory against former champion Rose Namajunas, Blanchfield described the cancellation as a huge disappointment because she had been preparing for the fight seriously. 

Barber’s Health History

Barber has experienced a number of health issues in recent years, which this episode adds to. She was hospitalized for nine days following a near-death experience she had in mid-2024, just after UFC 299, due to a mix of pneumonia, strep throat, and a staph infection. She had to cancel her planned main event matchup with Rose Namajunas at UFC Denver due to her health concerns.

Barber had won six straight fights and was keen to get back in the Octagon despite these setbacks. She had publicly responded to Blanchfield’s doubts about her capacity to attend the fight, describing the comment as “ignorant” and highlighting her fitness. 

Looking Ahead

Fans and the MMA community are worried about Barber’s health and future in the sport after the UFC Vegas 107 main event was abruptly canceled. There hasn’t been a formal announcement on her health or possible comeback to competition as of yet.

In her search for a title battle, Blanchfield’s attention now turns to finding a new opponent in the top five. The UFC has not yet disclosed any plans to reschedule the postponed fight.

The tragedy is a clear reminder of how dangerous combat sports can be and how crucial player health and safety are.