When promotion executive Hunter Campbell came to visit just before
walkouts for the UFC
Vegas 107 main event, Erin
Blanchfield had a feeling that bad news was imminent.

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The New Jersey native’s instincts were correct, as Saturday’s
flyweight headliner was scrapped at the last minute due to medical
issues for Blanchfield’s opponent, Maycee
Barber.

“Hunter came in and was saying she was having a seizure and having
medical issues and she wouldn’t be able to fight,” Blanchfield said
in a backstage interview with Megan Olivi. “I knew once I saw him
it wasn’t something good because he was being real serious. I feel
like it was a little disbelief.

“We already were told six minutes to the walkout, we had already
warmed up. I hit pads. I was warming up with my training partner. I
was literally ready to go. I feel like I could already smell the
cage. I was ready and we just got the news.”

Barber missed weight by 0.5 pounds on Friday, but the closer the
fight got, the more likely Blanchfield thought it was that the bout
would take place as scheduled. However, there was some momentary
confusion on the broadcast when it became apparent Barber wasn’t
able to make the walk to the Octagon. Shortly thereafter, the fight
was officially canceled.

“I definitely thought we were in the clear,” Blanchfield said. “I
think it’s pretty rare fight day that somebody pulls out.
Especially [if] they missed weight, they didn’t push super hard in
the weight cut. They probably recovered well. So yeah, I didn’t
expect this.”

It’s the second consecutive fight that Barber has exited due to
health issues. She also pulled out of a proposed clash against
Rose
Namajunas at UFC Denver last July — though that withdrawal was
early enough to secure a replacement opponent for Namajunas.

As for Blanchfield, she isn’t interested in a rebooking against
Barber down the road.

“No, my coaches right away were like, ‘Don’t entertain her. She’s
not on your level,’” Blanchfield said. “Super unprofessional.”

Saturday’s bout was expected to propel the winner closer to a
flyweight title shot, which was evidenced by reigning champion
Valentina
Shevchenko’s appearance on the post-fight show. Blanchfield
hopes to continue on that path in the near future.

“I’d love another five-rounder against someone in the Top 5, keep
working my way toward the title,” she said. “I don’t know exactly
what yet. I’ll talk to my manager and [Mick Maynard] and figure it
out.”

As for the disappointment of Saturday night, Blanchfield is doing
her best to find silver linings.

“I guess I can just take what I learned from my training camp and
try to build upon that for my next fight,” she said. “I basically
did everything besides get in the cage tonight. I can still grow
from that.”

IMAK ADMIN

By IMAK ADMIN

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