Epileptic Seizure Cancels UFC Fight Seconds Before It Started

UFC fans tuning in on Sunday morning for another Fight Night from the Apex arena witnessed an extremely rare and unsettling incident: the evening’s main event between Maycee Barber and Erin Blanchfield was canceled at the very last moment, just as the fighters were walking toward the octagon.

According to UFC officials, the cancellation was due to a serious medical emergency. Maycee Barber, who has faced several health issues over the past year, suffered an epileptic seizure backstage during her final preparation. The medical team on site did not allow her to continue, and the fight was called off seconds before it was set to begin.

In the live broadcast, commentators appeared stunned as they reported the news in real time. Initially, the reason for the cancellation was unclear, but it was later confirmed that Barber had been rushed to the hospital.

Despite the alarming nature of the incident and the clear danger to Barber’s health, her opponent Erin Blanchfield reacted harshly. In a post-fight interview, she said: “Hunter Campbell (UFC executive) came into my locker room and told me she had a medical episode. He was serious, so I knew it was bad.”

“I was warmed up, had trained hard, and was ready to go. I could smell the cage. Then the news came in. I thought we could still fight despite her missing weight. I didn’t expect she wouldn’t even make it to the octagon. I’m not fighting her again. That’s not professional.”

At the post-event press conference, Blanchfield continued: “First, she misses weight. Then, on fight day, she suddenly has a medical issue? That’s unprofessional. There’s no chance I’m fighting her again. I was told she had some kind of seizure. I think she needs to change weight classes and get her life together. She’s struggling in every area — in and out of the cage. She needs to fix it.”