Erin Blanchfield didn`t get the chance to compete for a win at UFC Vegas 107, but she won`t be financially penalized. The flyweight contender from New Jersey was scheduled to headline the card on Saturday night, but her opponent, Maycee Barber, was deemed medically unfit just moments before their planned walk to the octagon.
This last-minute cancellation of the five-round main event was a major disappointment for Blanchfield at the close of fight week. However, the UFC ensured she would not leave empty-handed.
The organization confirmed that Blanchfield received her full pay, including both her contracted show money and her win bonus, despite the bout not taking place. Her long-time manager, Oren Hodak of KO Reps, verified this information.
Given the unexpected circumstances surrounding Barber`s withdrawal – which also followed Barber missing weight the previous day, resulting in a forfeit of 20 percent of her own purse – receiving the full payment is the most favorable outcome for Blanchfield.
While undoubtedly preferring to fight, getting her full compensation allows Blanchfield to recover from her completed training camp and focus on planning her next appearance inside the octagon.
Immediately after the cancellation was announced, Blanchfield addressed reporters, making it clear she has no interest in rescheduling her fight against Maycee Barber. Instead, she is targeting a high-ranked opponent for her return.
“No, I would not want to book another fight with her,” Blanchfield stated at the post-fight press conference. “I would like to reassess, see who’s available.”
She continued, emphasizing her career trajectory: “I still want to fight within the top five, still push towards that title fight. I think I need to talk to my manager, talk to Mick [Maynard], see what can happen.”
Blanchfield is on the heels of a significant victory over former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas and is widely regarded as a leading contender in the flyweight division, especially after Valentina Shevchenko`s recent successful title defense against Manon Fiorot at UFC 315.
