Maycee Barber Faces Criticism from Kamaru Usman
The situation has raised questions about the support systems in place for fighters struggling with weight and mental health issues, and whether more needs to be done to help them manage the pressures of competition. As the UFC continues to grow and evolve, it is likely that we will see more emphasis placed on the mental and physical well-being of its fighters.
Kamaru Usman, a former welterweight champion, has expressed sympathy for Maycee Barber's recent withdrawal from her fight due to health issues, but also criticized her actions as unprofessional. Usman, who has faced his own struggles with making weight, believes that Barber's decision to miss weight by half a pound and not attempt to cut again was a mistake.
Usman's comments come after Barber's last-second withdrawal from her fight against Erin Blanchfield at UFC Fight Night: Blanchfield vs Barber on May 31. Barber weighed in at 126.5 pounds, half a pound over the limit, and forfeited 20% of her purse. Usman, who has experienced the pressure of a big fight, understands the difficulties of making weight but believes that Barber's actions were not acceptable.
This is not the first time that Barber has faced issues with her weight, and Usman suggests that she may benefit from working with a sports psychologist to manage her nerves and emotions. Usman's criticism of Barber's professionalism is not unfounded, as she has now withdrawn from her second straight fight due to health issues. Despite this, Usman acknowledges that the situation is complex and that Barber's actions may have been influenced by a range of factors.
The UFC community will be watching to see how Barber responds to Usman's criticism and whether she is able to overcome her weight issues in the future. With her next fight already being anticipated, Barber will need to prove herself as a professional and dedicated fighter if she is to regain the trust of her fans and fellow competitors.