UFC Fight Night: Blanchfield vs. Barber – Picks & Bets
- Two former top women's MMA prospects, Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber, will face off in the main event at UFC Fight Night on Saturday.
- 4-ranked flyweight, is coming off a unanimous decision victory over former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas.
- Maycee Barber, who is unranked by ESPN, has won her last six fights.
Blanchfield, Barber Set to Clash at UFC fight Night
Updated May 30, 2025
Two former top women’s MMA prospects, Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber, will face off in the main event at UFC Fight Night on Saturday. The women’s flyweight bout takes place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, with the main card starting at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+, and prelims at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
Erin Blanchfield, ESPN’s No. 4-ranked flyweight, is coming off a unanimous decision victory over former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas. Last year, Blanchfield topped ESPN’s list of the top 25 fighters under 25 years old. She hopes to continue her ascent in the women’s flyweight division.
Maycee Barber, who is unranked by ESPN, has won her last six fights. her most recent win was a unanimous decision against Kaylyn Cerminara at UFC 299. Barber was ranked fifth on the Top 25 Under 25 list in December 2022. She looks to add another victory to her record and climb the MMA rankings.
Ahead of the fight, former UFC fighters Din Thomas and Anthony Smith shared their predictions. Betting expert Ian Parker also provided analysis and betting recommendations for the main event and other matches on the card, offering insights into UFC betting strategies.
“I think Blanchfield will look good early, but barber is just, and you can quote me on this, she is the meanest [bully] I’ve ever watched fight or train. She does things to people just because it hurts. She used this quote one time,and I stole it and now use it with my daughter’s wrestling. Barber said, ‘the meaner you are, the easier it is.’ That’s the mentality she uses and it works.” — Anthony Smith
“I think it’s going to be highly entertaining and competitive for the first couple rounds, but then blanchfield’s systematic approach to slowing down a fighter like Barber will be the difference. Blanchfield will slow Barber down, get on her back and finish her with a choke.” — din Thomas
Betting Analysis
Odds accurate as of May 29. For the most up-to-date odds, visit ESPN BET.
Parker suggests betting on Blanchfield to win (-250) and the fight to go over 1.5 rounds. He notes that the winner will likely be next in line behind Natalia Silva for a title shot. Parker believes Blanchfield’s relentless style and cardio will allow her to control Barber on the ground,creating damage and submission opportunities.
0:52
Dustin Jacoby demolishes Vitor Petrino with one punch
Dustin Jacoby sends in his candidate for knockout of the night with a one-punch strike to Vitor Petrino.
Parker’s Best Bets on the Rest of the Card
Light heavyweight: Dustin Jacoby vs. Bruno Lopes
Jacoby to win (-190). Parker favors Jacoby, citing his recent knockout win over vitor Petrino and superior striking ability. He believes Jacoby’s movement will allow him to outstrike Lopes unless Lopes can secure takedowns.
Middleweight: Zachary Reese vs. Duško Todorović
Reese to win inside the distance. Parker sees Reese as a bad matchup for Todorović, who is coming off two TKO losses. He believes Reese’s power and submission skills will be too much for Todorović, whose ability to absorb punches has declined.
Catchweight: Trevin Giles vs. Andreas Gustafsson
Gustafsson to win (-175). Parker is backing Gustafsson in his UFC debut, noting that Giles is on a three-fight losing streak and taking the fight on short notice. He expects gustafsson to be dominant and possibly secure a highlight-reel finish.
What’s next
The winner of Blanchfield vs. Barber will be in a strong position to challenge for the UFC Women’s Flyweight title,potentially facing current contenders like Natalia Silva.