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A highly anticipated UFC women’s flyweight title eliminator is set to electrify Denver this summer. On July 13, at Ball Arena, top contenders Maycee Barber and Rose Namajunas will face off in a five-round main event at a UFC Fight Night, as announced by promotion CEO Dana White. Ariel Helwani was the first to report the news on X, setting the MMA world abuzz.
Maycee Barber (14-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC) is riding high on the most successful stretch of her UFC career. Currently on a six-fight winning streak, Barber has demonstrated remarkable prowess and resilience inside the octagon. Her recent victories over perennial contenders Amanda Ribas, whom she defeated by TKO, and Katlyn Cerminara, who succumbed to a unanimous decision, have solidified her as a formidable force in the division.
On the other side of the octagon stands Rose Namajunas(12-6 MMA, 10-5 UFC), a former strawweight champion who transitioned to the flyweight division in 2023. Despite a rocky start with a unanimous decision loss to Manon Fiorot in her divisional debut, Namajunas bounced back with a decisive unanimous decision win over Amanda Ribas in March. This bout against Barber presents a significant opportunity for Namajunas to reassert her dominance and earn a shot at the title.
Although unofficially a title eliminator, the stakes couldn't be higher for both fighters. The winner of this bout could earn a coveted chance to challenge the victor of the upcoming championship clash between current champion Alexa Grasso and former champion Valentina Shevchenko. This championship bout is expected to take place in the fall, following the conclusion of the ultimate fighter 32.
The anticipation surrounding this fight is palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting what promises to be an explosive showdown between two of the division's top fighters. As Denver prepares to host this monumental event, the MMA community is set to witness a battle that could reshape the landscape of the women’s flyweight division.