LAS VEGAS – Maycee Barber is representing the new age of MMA.
On Saturday at UFC 246, Barber takes on Roxanne Modafferi, who’s 16 years older and made her professional debut when Barber was only 5 years old.
It’s a matchup between MMA’s new school and old school.
“She’s definitely a veteran in this sport, and I respect her so much for that,” Barber said. “I mean, she’s got more fights than I have like years on this earth. So, yeah, I’m super excited and honored to be able to fight her but also excited to show people that she’s the older era of mixed martial arts and of the UFC, and I’m the future.
“It’s like a fight that every era, every age of this sport can appreciate because you see the beginning, and you see someone who’s been in it for so long and has been around for so long. I think it’s exciting all the way around.”
It’s a big step up in competition for Barber (8-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) in terms of experience, but she will enter UFC 246 as the biggest betting favorite of the night.
No pressure for Barber, though.
“I’m not (feeling pressure). I’m just excited,” Barber said. “Again, this was one of the … I know that’s very stereotypical to say ‘this was the best camp of my life,’ but it really was. This is the best camp I’ve had, from coaches to training partners and just support. One of the best camps I’ve had in my entire life.”
Barber spent camp at Roufusport, training with the likes of Ben Askren and former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis, who will share the same card as her, when he takes on Diego Ferreira in the main-card opener.
“To be able to be on the card with him (Pettis) and to see his work ethic in the gym, he’s kind of like that person that I can look up to, and it’s super motivating and just neat to be able to be around like-minded people. He’s a good fighter to look up to.”
With about 28 months left for Barber to break Jon Jones’ record as the youngest UFC champion in history, Saturday is a pivotal step for the surging and undefeated flyweight.
“I think it’s a perfect fight,” Barber said. “She’s ranked, I’m ranked, and she’s ranked just a little bit ahead of me, so it’s a perfect challenge for me to go out and put her away and get another one.”
UFC 246 takes place Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.
To hear more from Barber, watch the video above.
Out with the old, in with the new? That's what Maycee Barber is thinking ahead of UFC 246
