The animosity is escalating between current UFC flyweight titleholder Valentina Shevchenko and challenger Maycee Barber in anticipation of Barber’s upcoming bout at UFC Seattle.
Aspiring UFC flyweight Maycee Barber is set to encounter Alexa Grasso, a fighter whom Valentina Shevchenko has fought three times previously, during the co-feature attraction this Saturday at UFC Seattle. Both Barber and Grasso are vying in a crucial contest that serves as a title eliminator within the female flyweight weight class.
Shevchenko is generally anticipated to defend her championship next against top-ranked challenger Natalia Silva, though no official arrangements have been confirmed at this point. Concurrently, the preliminary stages of a promotional rivalry are emerging between Shevchenko and Barber.
Valentina Shevchenko’s name surfaced during recent critiques of the UFC by Hall of Famer Ronda Rousey, who implied that the reigning women’s flyweight champion might need an ‘OnlyFans profile’ to support herself financially. Rousey has been particularly vocal in her disapproval of UFC management recently, as her return bout against Gina Carano approaches.
Upon learning of Rousey’s remarks, Shevchenko swiftly dismissed the notion, yet this did not deter Barber from interjecting herself into the ongoing verbal exchange between them.
Valentina Shevchenko Rebukes Maycee Barber Following Jibe About Champion’s Disagreement with Ronda Rousey
Barber targeted Shevchenko during a recent interview session with MMA Fighting.
“The presence of Ronda Rousey is what enables Valentina to compete within the UFC,” Barber asserted regarding Shevchenko.
“Moreover, Valentina’s uncharismatic demeanor explains why she maintains an [OnlyFans account].”
Via a recent comment on Instagram, Shevchenko retaliated against Barber’s taunt.
“Educate yourself on history, naive child!” Shevchenko retorted.
“When your ‘hero’ initially entered the Octagon as an amateur combatant, I had already secured the title of World MMA Champion and held a professional record of 7 wins and no losses!”
This marks another instance of Barber and Shevchenko exchanging sharp remarks. Barber has consistently vowed to ‘overpower’ Shevchenko in any prospective match, while also criticizing the champion’s fighting approach as ‘unengaging’ and without thrill.
How do you foresee a potential matchup between Valentina Shevchenko and Maycee Barber unfolding? Share your thoughts below!
