Maycee Barber reveals shocking health struggles

26 March 2024

Maycee Barber's post-fight aspirations took an unexpected turn as she found herself facing a formidable opponent—her own health—following her latest victory earlier this month.

In a candid Instagram post on Monday, Barber revealed the harrowing ordeal she endured during a nine-day hospital stay, where she battled a severe infection and eventually developed pneumonia.

"The past few weeks were quite the ride and included lots of highs and lots of lows," Barber shared on Instagram. "Being in the hospital and still not having a true definitive answer while battling a 105-degree fever for days, having extremely low blood pressure, HR, and oxygen, was incredibly hard."

Despite receiving multiple treatments, Barber's fever persisted, ultimately leading to her pneumonia diagnosis. Reflecting on the experience, she expressed gratitude for the support she received during the challenging period, acknowledging the importance of cherishing loved ones.

"That’s a far cry from what Barber was lobbying for after her unanimous decision win over Katlyn Cerminara at UFC 299, which extended her winning streak to six," the article highlights.

In the aftermath of her victory, Barber had expressed her desire for a rematch with women’s flyweight champion Alexa Grasso, the only fighter to defeat her in 2021. However, Grasso's commitments, including coaching "The Ultimate Fighter" opposite Valentina Shevchenko and a potential trilogy rematch with Shevchenko, indicate that a title shot may be on hold for the time being.

ALSO READ | Do you sell weight cut bathwater? Maycee Barber gets weird request in comments

Barber's health battle serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional sports and underscores the importance of prioritizing well-being above all else. While her recovery journey may delay her return to the Octagon, Barber remains resilient, eager to overcome this setback and resume her pursuit of championship glory in the future.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @mayceebarber