Maycee Kaye Barber, born on May 18, 1998, in Greeley, Colorado, is an American mixed martial artist who has made a significant impact in the world of combat sports.
At 27 years old, she competes in the women’s Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where she is widely recognized for her aggressive fighting style and determination.
Barber’s journey into martial arts began at a remarkably young age, starting with karate at just three years old, influenced by her family’s deep involvement in the discipline.
Her parents, Bucky and Maryanne Barber, owned a martial arts academy in Fort Collins, Colorado, where she not only trained but also taught classes to adults by the time she was 13.
Siblings
Maycee comes from a close-knit family of six children, where martial arts played a central role in their upbringing.
As the second-oldest child, she has an older sister named Emma, who has been instrumental in her development, particularly in honing her Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills by breaking down techniques and training together.
Emma, the eldest sibling, shares a strong bond with Maycee, as evidenced by public birthday tributes highlighting their lifelong friendship.
Among her younger siblings is her brother Wyatt, who has followed in her footsteps as a mixed martial artist, signing with Bellator MMA and pursuing his own professional career in the sport.
The family’s relocation from Colorado to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was partly to provide better training opportunities for both Maycee and Wyatt, underscoring the supportive dynamic among the siblings.
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Career
Barber’s professional mixed martial arts career kicked off in 2017 after a successful amateur bout, quickly establishing her as a formidable talent with a string of dominant victories.
She made her UFC debut on November 10, 2018, and has since compiled an impressive record of 15 wins and 2 losses, with 10 of those wins coming inside the Octagon.
Known for her striking prowess, Barber has secured six knockouts or technical knockouts and two submissions in her victories, showcasing a versatile freestyle fighting style trained at High Altitude Martial Arts and Team Alpha Male.
Her early UFC run included notable stoppages, but she faced setbacks with losses to top contenders, which she overcame through a remarkable seven-fight winning streak from 2021 to 2025.
Key highlights include a second-round TKO over Amanda Ribas in June 2023, a split decision victory against Andrea Lee in March 2023, and unanimous decisions over veterans like Jessica Eye, Katlyn Cerminara, and Karine Silva.
Barber’s resilience shone through personal challenges, including injuries and a life-threatening medical issue that sidelined her, yet she returned stronger.
Accolades
Throughout her career, Barber has earned several prestigious recognitions that highlight her skill and impact in the UFC women’s flyweight division.
She received the UFC Performance of the Night bonus once, for her thrilling victory over Amanda Ribas, demonstrating her ability to deliver exciting finishes.
Barber is tied for the second-most knockouts in the division’s history with three, trailing only Valentina Shevchenko, which underscores her knockout power.
In 2018, UFC.com ranked her as the #4 Newcomer of the Year, acknowledging her rapid rise as a promising talent.
Her perseverance was further honored when MMA Junkie named her the 2025 Comeback Fighter of the Year, following a triumphant return from adversity.
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