UFC flyweight contender Erin Blanchfield has altered her position regarding the strong comments she made about Maycee Barber.
Blanchfield and Barber, two prominent up-and-coming fighters in the UFC`s flyweight division, were scheduled for a crucial bout at UFC Vegas 107. The reigning UFC flyweight champion, Valentina Shevchenko, was present cageside at the Apex facility to observe potential future opponents.
However, just moments before Blanchfield and Barber were set to walk to the Octagon, an unexpected issue arose.
After a pre-fight video package finished playing on the UFC Vegas 107 broadcast, the venue fell silent, causing significant confusion among fans who were anticipating the fighters` entrances. Octagon announcer Bruce Buffer then announced that the main event fight was canceled due to a medical issue suffered by Barber.
Erin Blanchfield Admits Post-Fight Comments Were Influenced By Emotion
The situation marked a disappointing conclusion to a peculiar fight week at UFC Vegas 107. Barber was transported to a local hospital after experiencing a seizure backstage, but later provided a positive health update on Sunday.
Following the UFC Vegas 107 cancellation, Blanchfield severely criticized Barber, describing her actions as `super unprofessional` after the medical scare forced her withdrawal from their planned main event. Fans were divided on Blanchfield`s sharp reaction, with some questioning her harshness given Barber`s hospitalization.
In a recent appearance on a prominent MMA show, Blanchfield clarified her strong statements made after Barber`s medical issues became public knowledge following UFC Vegas 107.
“She can`t control medical issues that she`s having, so that`s not unprofessional,” Blanchfield explained. “I meant more the weight miss on Friday and the way she approached it.”
Blanchfield continued, “I believe she was offered more time to cut weight and didn’t, missed weight and then still was acting the way she was at the weigh-ins. So that’s more what I meant about being unprofessional…[being unreliable] I still stand by, she pulled out of the first [fight] and now this one.”
“I know she has issues, but if she does have those severe medical issues, that’s why I wouldn’t want to be matched up with her again,” Blanchfield added. “I was caught up in the moment myself, she probably does have some issues…and she probably should’ve pulled out sooner so that I would’ve had another opponent. Not being honest about her condition wasn’t the right thing to do.”
Blanchfield had previously predicted that Barber might not make it to fight night in the weeks leading up to UFC Vegas 107. The two flyweights were initially scheduled to fight in 2021, but Barber withdrew due to injury then as well.
When asked about her earlier statement refusing to be booked against Barber again, Blanchfield also adjusted her stance. She clarified that she would be open to fighting Barber in the future, provided Barber`s activity level improves.
Valentina Shevchenko`s Next Opponent Still Unclear Amid Zhang Weili Talks
Regarding Shevchenko, she has repeatedly hinted at a potential fight against UFC strawweight champion Zhang Weili for her next flyweight title defense. Natalia Silva has also emerged as a strong contender after her dominant victory over Alexa Grasso.
Shevchenko most recently defended her flyweight championship against Manon Fiorot last month. She had regained the flyweight title by defeating Grasso last September.
As for the brewing rivalry between Blanchfield and Barber, the first planned encounter remains on hold following the cancellation at UFC Vegas 107. However, it would not be surprising to see these two promising fighters matched against each other again later in their careers.
Rupert Hartwell