Maycee Barber shone at UFC 299, securing a unanimous decision win over Katlyn Cerminara. Yet, the glow of victory dimmed quickly. Post-fight, Barber faced an unexpected adversary far from the octagon.
She shared on social media that she was hospitalized for nine days due to a mysterious infection. The ordeal began after the event in Miami on March 9. Despite the efforts of her medical team, the infection’s cause puzzled them.
Barber’s Instagram post painted a harrowing picture. “I spent [nine] days in the hospital being tested and treated for an infection that they thought were a mix of different things from strep A to staph,” she revealed. The situation was dire. She battled a 105-degree fever, dangerously low blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels. The infection was relentless, leading to pneumonia despite aggressive treatment.
“It definitely wasn’t what I had planned and was honestly very scary at times,” Barber confessed. There were moments of doubt, fear gripping her as she faced the unknown. Yet, she remained resilient, finding solace in the belief that everything happens for a reason.
Through it all, Barber felt grateful for the unwavering support of her loved ones. “Little scares like this make you really step back and appreciate those around you! God is good and I am blessed,” she expressed.
Despite the setback, Barber’s career in the UFC remains impressive. She’s notched six consecutive wins in the Octagon. However, her return to action is up in the air, especially with Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko gearing up for a trilogy after their stint on “The Ultimate Fighter 32.”
Rose Namajunas, fresh off her win against Amanda Ribas, sees Barber as a formidable opponent. “I think she’s a savage. She’s a big girl. She’s strong. She’s just like a bully in there,” Namajunas shared. She recalled Barber’s earlier challenges, noting her growth and tenacity. “She used to call me out back when she was younger. I think it’s kind of funny. She’s really tough. That would definitely motivate me and get me going every day because I know she throws with really bad intentions.”
Barber’s journey, marked by triumphs and trials, continues to unfold. Her resilience, both in and out of the ring, inspires and captivates. As she recovers and plans her next move, the MMA community watches, eager for her return.