Maycee Barber is aiming to return to the UFC in the first half of 2025.
Barber (14-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC) was set to headline her first UFC event against former champion Rose Namajunas in July in Denver, but she had to withdraw less than three weeks before the fight due to health issues.
Barber later disclosed that she was suffering from the Epstein-Barr virus, which left her severely physically compromised and unable to train effectively. She now seeks to put that behind her and start a new training camp soon.
“Everything’s going great now,” Barber said on “Morning Kombat.” “It has been a long journey. I was so bummed when I had to withdraw, especially since I was excited to fight Rose and make my UFC debut in Denver. It was my first main event.”
“It was a very big opportunity for me, and I was so excited. I was devastated when I was told, ‘Hey look, you’re not going to fight on this card.’ Obviously, health is more important. I was very devastated, but I have made significant progress and can’t wait to be back.”
The flyweight contender, who has secured six consecutive victories, aims to compete again by early next year. Barber’s winning streak includes a TKO finish of Amanda Ribas and, most recently, a unanimous decision over former title challenger Katlyn Cerminara at UFC 299 in March.
“Yeah, I was just messaging with Mick (Maynard), and Hunter (Campbell) called me, as well,” Barber mentioned. “I’m hoping for April, honestly. I know it’s still a little ways off, but for me, that’s the timeline I was given. Initially, I thought it would be July or August of next year, but now it’s looking more like April.”
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