Maycee Barber Reveals She Was Hospitalized Nine Days Following UFC 299

UFC

March 26, 2024

Maycee Barber looked strong during a unanimous decision triumph against Katlyn Cerminara at UFC 299, but that wasn’t the case shortly after the event.

Barber revealed Monday via social media that she was hospitalized for nine days due to an infection following the March 9 card in Miami. According to the post, doctors struggled to identify the cause.

Following my fight, I spent [nine] days in the hospital being tested and treated for an infection that they thought were a mix of different things from strep A to staph,” Barber wrote 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 having multiple IV antibiotics and medications over the course of several days, they were unable to get my fever to drop, which eventually led to me developing pneumonia. It definitely wasn’t what I had planned and was honestly very scary at times. There were a few moments where I wasn’t sure if I was going to be okay, but I know that whatever happens was meant to happen and that it’s all just another piece of the puzzle of life.

“Grateful for everyone who has been by my side through it all. Little scares like this make you really step back and appreciate those around you! God is good and I am blessed.”

The 25-year-old Barber has won her last six Octagon appearances. While it’s unclear when she might be ready for a return to action, a title shot might not be likely with Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko set for a trilogy after coaching on “The Ultimate Fighter 32.” Meanwhile, Rose Namajunas mentioned Barber as a potential foe following her victory against Amanda Ribas at UFC on ESPN 53 this past Saturday.

“I think she’s a savage. She’s a big girl. She’s strong. She’s just like a bully in there,” Namajunas said of Barber. “I knew her when she was really young. She’s a lot different now. She used to call me out back when she was younger. I think it’s kind of funny. She’s really tough. That would definitely motivate me and get me going every day because I know she throws with really bad intentions.”