LAS VEGAS – Maycee Barber was compelled to relay some immediate words after suffering her first career loss in shocking fashion Saturday at UFC 246.
Despite being the biggest betting favorite on the card at 10-to-1, Barber (8-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) was thoroughly dominated in a bloody unanimous decision loss against veteran Roxanne Modafferi (24-16 MMA, 3-4 UFC) at T-Mobile Arena.
Just as Joe Rogan was about to interview Modafferi, 37, after arguably the biggest win of her career, 21-year-old prospect Barber asked for the microphone and shared a message praising Modafferi for her effort.
“I just want to say, first of all, that it’s an honor to be on this card and to share the octagon with Roxanne,” Barber said. “She’s been doing MMA since I was 5. That is incredible. And I just want to apologize to everyone who came out here tonight. But I’m not as sorry for my performance, because you know what? It made Roxanne shine. So, Roxanne, congratulations.”
Barber suffered a knee injury in the second round of the fight, which the cageside physician immediate diagnosed as a “small, partial ACL tear.” He deemed Barber OK to continue, but she could not rally for the victory after losing the first two rounds.
After sharing her message on the microphone, Barber had to be escorted backstage by her team, which included Ben Askren and other Roufusport coaches (via Twitter):
