Maycee Barber experiences first loss after suffering 'small, partial ACL tear' vs. Roxanne Modafferi

maycee barber

In between rounds, the cageside doctor performed a quick physical examination on Barber's knee and revealed a "small, partial ACL tear" to the referee. The fight was allowed to continue, though, and Modafferi took advantage, turning in another dominant round en route to victory.

"She cried out, but she kept going like a true warrior, and I respect that very much," Modafferi said. "And my coaches told me to capitalize on it. In here, you have to be a little merciless until the ref pulls you off."

Of her strong performance, Modafferi said, "I wanted to prove that I'm not just a veteran gatekeeper. I'm still getting stronger, and I belong in the top 10."

Modafferi, 37, has competed as a professional since 2003. Over the past 17 years, she's fought around the world for well over a dozen promotions. Since her UFC debut in December 2017, she's alternated wins and losses.

The loss marks Barber's first of her professional career. The defeat is a step backwards for Barber, 21, who has set out to break Jon Jones' record as the youngest UFC champion in the promotion's history.