Right after her most recent win earlier this month, Maycee Barber knew whom she wanted next.
She didn’t know at the time her next opponent would be her own health. Barber on Monday posted on Instagram detailing what she said was a harrowing nine days in the hospital, where she eventually developed pneumonia.
“Well, the past few weeks were quite the ride and included lots of highs and lots of lows,” Barber posted on Instagram. “Following my fight, I spent 9 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. 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! 🤍”
That’s a far cry from what Barber (14-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC) was lobbying for after her unanimous decision win over Katlyn Cerminara at UFC 299, which extended her winning streak to six. She asked for a rematch with women’s flyweight champion Alexa Grasso.
Grasso was the most recent person to beat Barber in 2021. But Grasso also is booked to coach “The Ultimate Fighter” opposite Valentina Shevchenko with a trilogy rematch with her looming afterward.
So Grasso also no doubt knows a shot at the belt still is a bit down the road, given that timeline – which might mean any recovery from her hospitalization might be well in the rearview mirror by the time she’s ready to get back in the cage.
