Maycee Barber showed a new level to her game in a dominant display over Amanda Ribas at UFC Jacksonville. Barber showcased incredible takedown defense along with quick getups while cracking Ribas throughout the fight. After a big flurry in the 2nd round, the ref stepped in and extended Barber’s win streak to 5. With this being her only finish in her past 7, it seems as if Barber is reaching her ceiling as a fighter.
Maycee Barber vs. Amanda Ribas Recap
Ribas came out hot and got right in Barber’s face, who landed counter punches and leg kicks to start the fight. Ribas pushed Barber up against the cage and worked for a takedown, but was caught with a massive elbow that opened her up in the process. The Brazilian responded with a takedown from a headlock, but Barber quickly got back to her feet and separated. Barber continued to come in hard with hooks and kicks, with Ribas looking to clinch before being reversed and ending up on her back. Ribas attempted a kneebar off her back, but Barber wiggled out while landing some massive ground and pound. The round ended with Barber on top landing ground and pound with Ribas completely bloody.
The second round began with Ribas finding some success while stepping in, opening Barber up with a big right hook. Ribas was able to end up on top after a successful trip before Barber found her way to the cage and her feet. A head kick from Barber was returned with a big right hand from Ribas that sent her flying to the cage. She quickly got up and the two exchanged some hard straights before Barber landed a massive head kick. The kick caused a clear reaction to Ribas as Barber followed up with a stinging right hand. Barber threw another glancing head kick land 3 massive punches while Ribas was on her back foot, dropping her to the floor and forcing her to grab a leg. From there Barber teed off, switching between hammer fists, hooks, and elbows, forcing the ref to step in.
What’s Next?
When it was all said and done, Ribas had eaten 26 unanswered strikes while on the ground, becoming a bloody mess. She falls to 6-3 in the promotion and continues her streak of trading wins and losses. Maycee Barber increased her win streak to 5 with an 8-2 record in the promotion. She takes Barber’s ranking of #9 with a potential higher ranking possible. With wins against Ribas, Andrea Lee, and Jessica Eye in her last 3, Barber’s title aspirations are as real as ever. Potential fights against Katlyn Chookagian, Lauren Murphy, and Jennifer Maia all seem like realistic next steps for Barber, however, the UFC may decide to save her for something bigger.
UFC Fighters React
UFC fighters reacted to Maycee Barber’s level-up on Saturday:
What did you think of Maycee Barber’s standout performance? Let us know in the comments below.
Featured Image Credits to Embed from Getty Images
