Rising strawweight fighter Maycee Barber has been doubtful about Paige VanZant answering a call-out to fight her. After her UFC Boston win against Gillian Robertson, “The Future” feels she’s just too much for VanZant to handle.
“I doubt it. But if she does (choose to fight me), I’ll be here,” Barber told reporters in a post-fight scrum. “I will absolutely ruin her Instagram career. These elbows hit hard, and they cut you up.”
VanZant underwent surgery for an arm injury in June, which she’s seemingly recovered from. In a recent Instagram post, “12 Gauge” issued a respectful challenge to almost every strawweight and female flyweight on the roster, including 125-pound champion Valentina Shevchenko.
Barber’s name, however, wasn’t part of the lengthy list.
Lesson of the day: RESPECT.
One of the first lessons we learn in martial arts is respect. I respect those who have dedicated themselves to this profession and given it their everything to achieve greatness through showcasing their skill.
I respect every female fighter tagged in this post. With that said, it would be an honor to share the cage with any of you ladies at 115 or 125.
If any of you are interested, let UFC and Mick Maynard know because I’m healthy and ready to get back in there.
VanZant herself didn’t state the reason for omitting Barber’s name, but her manager Kyle Stoltz spoke on her behalf.
“We will fight anyone but Maycee at 115 or 125,” Stoltz told MMA Fighting on Wednesday. “The disrespect shown by Maycee to us has made us not interested in fighting her.
“We know what fighting Paige does to someone’s career and we don’t want to give that to Maycee for being disrespectful.”
VanZant last fought in January at UFC Brooklyn against Rachel Ostovich. She won via second round submission via armbar.
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