Mayce Barber is all set to face Erin Blanchfield at UFC Vegas 107, but the ‘Cold Blooded’ fighter harbors doubts about Barber actually showing up. Blanchfield knows all too well Barber’s reputation for last-minute antics and stepping into short-notice fights. The last time these flyweight rivals were scheduled to clash, Barber pulled out due to injury. Now, Blanchfield’s concern grows amid Barber’s mysterious 14-month layoff caused by an undisclosed medical issue. Despite the uncertainty, Blanchfield remains confident and ready to seize the opportunity when the cage door closes.

During a conversation with MMAFighting, the 13-2 fighter expressed concerns about Barber’s availability for the fight date: “Yeah, I’m a little worried because Maycee has a history of pulling out of fights quite frequently. There’s always some concern, but honestly, that could happen with anyone.”

She further added, “A lot of the other top flyweights were already booked because they were booked [at UFC 315]. I think it just made sense, and so far she’s still in the fight, so hopefully it stays that way.” Fight cancellations and short-notice bouts have become common under the promotion in recent years. Many fighters have pulled out at the very last minute, leaving their opponents hanging. UFC 311 recently saw Arman Tsarukyan pull out of his fight against Islam Makhachev, and UFC 313 witnessed Dan Hooker withdrawing from his bout against Justin Gaethje.

Blanchfield understands that accepting fights on short notice is a fighter’s duty when urgent, but she still hopes that Barber will be healthy on fight day. “I’m just staying ready,” Blanchfield said. “I’m trying to improve myself the most. There’s always little things you try to tweak for your opponents, but I really try to focus on my own tool set and what I want to grow in. Regardless if the opponent changes, I’m ready to go.”

Maycee Barber last stepped inside the Octagon when she fought Katlyn Cerminara at UFC 299. Since then, she has been away from the promotion due to persistent injuries. Let’s take a look at what Blanchfield has to say about this.

Erin Blanchfield comments on Maycee Barber’s 14-month-long hiatus

After her victory over Katlyn Cerminara, Maycee Barber was forced to step away from fighting to focus on recovery after a series of serious health issues. Following the bout, she spent nine days hospitalized, during which doctors struggled to pinpoint the exact cause of her illness. Complicating matters, Barber developed pneumonia and underwent multiple rounds of antibiotics, which severely weakened her immune system and took a heavy toll on her overall health. After returning to train, she contracted the Epstein-Barr virus infection, making it more difficult for her to make a comeback.

Erin Blanchfield has stated that she might find it difficult to regain the same tempo she had before. “Taking a year off is never ideal,” Blanchfield said. “I know she had issues, so you do want to heal, you don’t want to rush into those kinds of things. But the prime of your career, this is the time to get experience and keep fighting as much as you can. I think consistency of fighting, it’s always helped me staying consistent and fighting all the time just helps you grow.”

Maycee Barber was away from the Octagon for a year, which might have impacted her training, as Blanchfield suggests. However, she still seems eager and ready to fight. Given this, what are your thoughts on the fight? Share your opinions in the comments below.