The fighter confidently asserts that she will soon claim Valentina Shevchenko’s UFC flyweight title.
While the spotlight at this Saturday’s UFC 323 pay-per-view is largely on the two championship bouts, many other fighters on the undercard are eager to prove themselves. Among these rising stars is Macy Barber, considered a somewhat overlooked top-five contender in the flyweight category. Due to significant health challenges, Barber has not competed since March 2024, but her 21-month absence hasn’t diminished her confidence.
Barber, who is highly ranked, will help set the stage for the main event where Merab Dvalishvili will defend his title against Petr Yan. Though Yan and Joshua Vann will compete for gold on December 6, Barber remains certain that her opportunity for a title shot is on the horizon. In a recent interview with UFC.com, Barber expressed her excitement about returning and reaffirmed her determination to earn the championship belt. She stated, “I just want to do what I love… This camp has been all about improvement—not just in health but as an athlete, training, and all facets of the game.” When asked about her future, she confidently responded, “I’ll probably be holding the belt.”
Valentina Shevchenko currently holds the women’s flyweight title after her superfight victory against Weili Zhang at UFC 322 last November. Barber, at 27, has already fought eleven times in the UFC since her debut over seven years ago, initially bursting onto the scene as a winner on Dana White’s Contender Series. She once aimed to break Jon Jones’ record as the youngest UFC champion but setbacks from losses to Roxanne Modafferi and Alexa Grasso altered those plans. Now, her primary goal is to secure the flyweight championship regardless of age.
Meanwhile, UFC 323 offers Joshua Vann, 24, a shot to become the second-youngest UFC champion when he faces Alexandre Pantoja in the co-main event, just behind Jon Jones, who made history as the youngest champion at 23.
Fan Take: Macy Barber’s return and bold ambition to capture the flyweight title inject fresh excitement into the division, showing that resilience and determination can redefine a fighter’s trajectory. This moment is crucial for fight fans as it highlights the ever-evolving talent and competitiveness that continues to push the sport forward.
