Maycee Kaye Barber Bio
Maycee Kaye Barber, born on May 18, 1998, is an American mixed martial artist competing in the women’s Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Known by her nickname “The Future,” Barber has quickly risen through the ranks with a striking style rooted in karate and a well-rounded skill set that includes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She is currently ranked among the top contenders in her division and fights out of Sacramento, California with Team Alpha Male.
Early Life and Background
Maycee Barber was born in Greeley, Colorado. From a young age, she showed a strong interest in martial arts, influenced by her family’s support and her own determination to become a professional fighter. Her father played a significant role in her early development, traveling extensively across the United States to find the best training opportunities and minimize damage through skill improvement. Barber also has a younger brother, Wyatt, who is a professional mixed martial artist signed with Bellator.
Barber’s early martial arts training focused on karate, where she earned a second-degree black belt. She also trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, achieving a purple belt, which contributed to her versatile fighting style. Her karate background is a defining element of her striking technique inside the cage.
Path to MMA
Barber began her professional mixed martial arts career in 2017, quickly making a name for herself in the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA). She debuted with a first-round armbar submission victory and followed it with several dominant performances, including knockouts and submissions. These early successes showcased her aggressive style and finishing ability, earning her a contract with the UFC after a stoppage win on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2018.
Her transition to the UFC marked a significant step up in competition, but Barber adapted swiftly. She demonstrated her striking prowess and resilience, securing multiple technical knockout victories and establishing herself as a rising star in the women’s Flyweight division.
Maycee Kaye Barber Career
Early Career (2017–2018)
Barber’s professional debut came at LFA 14 in June 2017, where she submitted Itzel Esquivel in the first round. She continued to build momentum with wins over Mallory Martin and Kaila Thompson, showcasing her submission skills and striking power. Her final fight in LFA was a second-round technical knockout against Audrey Perkins, marking her first knockout victory.
Her performances in LFA earned her a spot on Dana White’s Contender Series in July 2018, where she defeated Jamie Colleen by stoppage in the third round, securing a UFC contract. These early years were crucial for Barber’s development, as she gained experience and confidence against increasingly skilled opponents.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2018–Present)
Barber made her UFC debut in November 2018 at UFC Fight Night: The Korean Zombie vs. Rodríguez, defeating Hannah Cifers by second-round technical knockout. She followed this with another TKO win over JJ Aldrich in March 2019 and a first-round TKO against Gillian Robertson in October 2019, demonstrating her striking dominance.
Despite a setback in January 2020 with a unanimous decision loss to Roxanne Modafferi, Barber rebounded and continued to compete at a high level. After recovering from a knee injury, she returned in 2021 with a split decision win over Miranda Maverick and a unanimous decision victory against Montana De La Rosa in 2022. She also defeated Jessica Eye by unanimous decision at UFC 276, marking the end of her initial UFC contract before re-signing later that year.
In 2023, Barber secured wins over Andrea Lee and Amanda Ribas, the latter earning her the Performance of the Night award. She continued her winning streak with a unanimous decision over Katlyn Cerminara in March 2024. Barber’s career has been marked by a mix of knockout power, submission skills, and tactical striking, making her a formidable opponent in the Flyweight division.
Team Alpha Male Era (2021–Present)
Since joining Team Alpha Male, Barber has benefited from training with one of the premier MMA teams in the United States. The move has helped refine her skills and improve her fight IQ, contributing to her recent string of victories. Her partnership with the team has been integral to her preparation and in-cage strategy, positioning her as a top contender in the division.
Driving Style and Strengths
Barber’s fighting style is heavily influenced by her karate background, emphasizing precise striking, movement, and timing. She combines this with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills, allowing her to finish fights both standing and on the ground. Her aggressive approach and ability to adapt mid-fight make her a dynamic and unpredictable competitor.
Notable Events and Milestones
Barber’s career milestones include her rapid rise through LFA to the UFC, multiple technical knockout victories, and earning the Performance of the Night award. A significant moment was her recovery from a serious illness in 2024, which demonstrated her resilience and determination to continue competing at the highest level.
Maycee Kaye Barber Career Wins
Maycee Barber has accumulated 14 wins out of 16 professional fights, showcasing a balanced mix of knockouts, submissions, and decisions. Her ability to finish fights early and control the pace has been a hallmark of her success across different promotions.
Legacy Fighting Alliance Highlights
Barber’s early career in LFA was marked by four consecutive wins, including submissions and a technical knockout. Her first professional win came via armbar submission, setting the tone for her aggressive and versatile fighting style. These performances earned her a UFC contract and established her as a promising prospect.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
In the UFC, Barber has secured multiple wins by technical knockout and unanimous decision. Her first UFC victory was a TKO over Hannah Cifers, and she has since defeated notable opponents such as JJ Aldrich, Gillian Robertson, and Amanda Ribas. Her recent Performance of the Night award highlights her continued growth and impact in the division.
Maycee Kaye Barber Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Barber comes from a supportive family with a strong interest in mixed martial arts. Her father played an active role in her early training and development. Her younger brother, Wyatt Barber, is also a professional mixed martial artist competing in Bellator, indicating a family deeply involved in combat sports.
Personal Life
In mid-2024, Barber experienced a serious health scare involving pneumonia, strep throat, and a staph infection that required hospitalization for nine days. This incident was a significant challenge in her life and career, but she has since returned to competition. She resides in Sacramento, California, and continues to train and compete at the highest level.
2025 Season Performance
Barber’s 2025 season has been marked by challenges and resilience. She was scheduled to face Erin Blanchfield in May but had to withdraw due to a medical issue involving a seizure. Despite this setback, she is scheduled to fight Karine Silva in December 2025 at UFC 323, signaling her intent to remain a top contender. Her ongoing partnership with Team Alpha Male and focus on recovery suggest she will continue to be a significant presence in the Flyweight division.