The highly anticipated flyweight clash between top contenders Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber is set to headline UFC on ESPN 68 (also known as UFC Vegas 107) on May 31, 2025, at the UFC Apex in Enterprise, Nevada. This matchup pits two of the brightest young stars in the UFC’s women's flyweight division against each other in what could be a title eliminator. However, Barber missed weight by half a pound, making this a catchweight bout, and she will forfeit 20% of her purse to Blanchfield.

Erin Blanchfield: The Submission Specialist on the Rise

Erin Blanchfield, currently ranked #4 in the women’s flyweight division and #6 pound-for-pound, has made waves with her well-rounded game, strong grappling, and high fight IQ. The former Eddie Bravo Invitational champion boasts a 13–2 professional record, with victories over elite competition like Jéssica Andrade and Taila Santos.

Blanchfield’s style centers on relentless pressure, intelligent cage control, and a grappling arsenal that has secured her 4 submission wins in the UFC. She’s also proven her durability and stamina by going five rounds with top-ranked opponents, including a dominant performance over Rose Namajunas.

Erin Blanchfield – Last 5 Fights:

1. Win vs. Rose Namajunas – Unanimous Decision (UFC Fight Night, Nov 2, 2024)
2. Loss vs. Manon Fiorot – Unanimous Decision (UFC on ESPN, Mar 30, 2024)
3. Win vs. Taila Santos – Unanimous Decision (UFC Fight Night, Aug 26, 2023)
4. Win vs. Jéssica Andrade – Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) (UFC Fight Night, Feb 18, 2023)
5. Win vs. Molly McCann – Submission (Kimura) (UFC 281, Nov 12, 2022)

Maycee Barber: The Power Striker with Momentum

Maycee Barber enters this bout ranked #5 in the flyweight division and #14 pound-for-pound, riding a wave of momentum. With a professional record of 14–2, she has six knockout victories and an aggressive style that overwhelms opponents early. Known as "The Future," Barber brings relentless striking and athleticism, often pushing the pace from the opening bell.

Barber has improved her fight IQ and defensive skills in recent outings, notching key wins over Amanda Ribas and Katlyn Cerminara. Despite missing weight for this fight, her confidence and form suggest she’s aiming for a definitive finish to catapult her into the title conversation.

Maycee Barber – Last 5 Fights:

1. Win vs. Katlyn Cerminara – Unanimous Decision (UFC 299, Mar 9, 2024)
2. Win vs. Amanda Ribas – TKO (Elbows and Punches) (UFC on ABC, Jun 24, 2023)
3. Win vs. Andrea Lee – Split Decision (UFC on ESPN, Mar 25, 2023)
4. Win vs. Jessica Eye – Unanimous Decision (UFC 276, Jul 2, 2022)
5. Win vs. Montana De La Rosa – Unanimous Decision (UFC Fight Night, Apr 23, 2022)

Prediction: Clash of Styles – Grappler vs. Striker

This fight will likely come down to who can impose their will early. Blanchfield will look to close the distance, initiate grappling exchanges, and wear Barber down. Barber, on the other hand, will attempt to keep the fight standing and use her superior striking and power to overwhelm Blanchfield.

Blanchfield has faced dangerous strikers before and shown resilience, but Barber’s explosiveness presents a unique challenge. If Barber can maintain range and defend takedowns, she could land significant damage. However, Blanchfield’s grappling edge and ability to drag fights into deep waters may be the deciding factor—especially if Barber’s cardio fades in the later rounds.

Prediction:
Erin Blanchfield def. Maycee Barber via Submission (Round 3 – Rear-Naked Choke)

This result would likely move Blanchfield one step closer to a UFC title shot, while Barber will need to reassess her approach—especially in terms of weight management and fight strategy.