Maycee Barber finally returned with a win at UFC 323 after a harrowing journey that kept her out of action for the past 21 months.
Health issues that put her in the hospital numerous times sidelined Barber after she put together an impressive six-fight win streak in the flyweight division. In her first fight back, Barber survived an illegal up kick but ultimately used a solid ground attack to punish Karine Silva across all three rounds to get the victory.
When it was over, the judges scored the contest 30-27, 29-28 and 29-28 as Barber gets the nod and continues her march towards title contention.
“I’m not just happy, I’m blessed,” Barber said after her win. “It’s been a rough journey to get here. It wasn’t really in the plan to get hit with that [illegal kick]. I was a little dizzy but you get punched in the face, too, so it’s OK. I’m here so it’s all right.
“I’m just blessed to be here. I just wanted to be here. I want to be here and do what I love.”
Barber stayed busy throughout the opening round, peppering Silva with good boxing and then following up with kicks to the body and legs. Silva avoided taking too much damage before eventually landing a solid counter shot that led her to a takedown against the cage.
Silva took the back as she began looking for submissions while grabbing the body triangle to control Barber. Despite her best efforts, Silva couldn’t catch anything and Barber eventually reversed just before the round ended as she unloaded some heavy ground and pound just before the horn sounded.
As the second round started, Barber closed the distance before tossing Silva to the floor as she tried to gain control on the canvas. Silva defended by throwing an illegal kick that blasted Barber as the referee intervened to pause the action.
Barber was allowed a moment to recover before restarting and she immediately grabbed another takedown before unleashing a barrage on Silva. Barber stayed aggressive as she kept blasting away with punches and elbows looking for the finish.
A late scramble allowed Silva to actually look for a triangle choke but her success was short lived as time ran out.
With five minutes remaining, Silva secured her own takedown and immediately transitioned to a potential heel hook attempt but Barber used the opening to take back the top position. Silva once again looked for a triangle choke before Barber slipped free and got back to her feet again.
Barber continued connecting with good combinations on the feet with Silva clearly fading as time ran out. It was an impressive showing for Barber after she endured medical emergencies that could have potentially ended her career.
Instead, Barber is back with another win and she provides another threat in the flyweight division where Valentina Shevchenko still rules as champion.
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