Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber Set to Clash in UFC Vegas 106 Main Event

In a thrilling development for fight fans, the UFC has officially announced that rising stars Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber will headline UFC Vegas 106 on May 31st at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. This five-round flyweight showdown promises to be a pivotal moment in the division’s landscape, with both fighters eyeing a potential title shot.

Two of female MMAs brightest stars collide in a May main event ✨

Erin Blanchfield vs Maycee Barber 👀#UFCVegas106 | May 31 | LIVE on TNT Sports & discovery+ pic.twitter.com/ijI5MxA4la

— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) March 25, 2025

The Long-Awaited Collision Course

The matchup between Blanchfield and Barber has been brewing for years, with their initial bout scheduled for December 2021 falling through due to Barber’s withdrawal. Since then, both fighters have carved impressive paths through the division, setting the stage for this highly anticipated clash.

Blanchfield, known as “Cold Blooded,” enters the bout with a 13-2 professional record and a 7-1 UFC stint. The 25-year-old New Jersey native has showcased her well-rounded skillset with victories over former champions Rose Namajunas and Jessica Andrade. Her lone UFC setback came in a closely contested decision loss to Manon Fiorot in March 2024, a fight that only served to elevate her stock in the eyes of many observers

On the other side of the octagon, “The Future” Maycee Barber brings a 14-2 record and an impressive six-fight win streak into the contest. At just 26 years old, Barber has lived up to her moniker, demonstrating continued growth and improvement with each outing. Her most recent victory, a unanimous decision over Katlyn Cerminara in March, further solidified her position as a top contender in the division

Title Implications in a Division in Flux

The timing of this matchup couldn’t be more crucial for the flyweight division. With reigning champion Valentina Shevchenko set to defend her title against Manon Fiorot at UFC 315 on May 10th, the winner of Blanchfield vs. Barber could very well be next in line for a title shot

Adding intrigue to the division’s future is the potential move of strawweight champion Zhang Weili to flyweight. This possibility has sparked speculation about a potential champion vs. champion superfight, should Shevchenko retain her title.

For Blanchfield and Barber, this main event slot represents not just a chance to climb the rankings, but also an opportunity to make a definitive statement about their readiness for championship contention. With both fighters known for their aggressive styles and well-rounded skill sets, fans can expect a high-paced, action-packed affair that could easily steal the show.

A Showcase of the Division’s Bright Future

As the UFC continues to build and promote its women’s divisions, matchups like Blanchfield vs. Barber highlight the depth and talent present in the flyweight ranks. Both fighters represent a new generation of mixed martial artists who have honed their skills across multiple disciplines from a young age.

Blanchfield, with her black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and impressive grappling credentials, has shown a knack for finding submissions even against high-level opponents. Her victory over Jessica Andrade via rear-naked choke stands out as a testament to her ground game prowess.

Barber, on the other hand, brings a more striking-oriented approach to the cage, backed by her karate background. Her ability to mix power punches with dynamic kicks has made her a fan favorite and a difficult puzzle for opponents to solve.

As fight night approaches, the MMA world will be watching closely to see which of these talented athletes will take the next step towards flyweight glory. With their contrasting styles and shared ambition, Blanchfield and Barber are poised to deliver a main event that could reshape the division’s hierarchy.

The road to UFC Vegas 106 on May 31st promises to be filled with anticipation and analysis. As both fighters prepare for what could be the most significant bout of their careers thus far, fans can look forward to a showcase of skill, determination, and the bright future of women’s MMA.