Maycee Barber’s partner has given a medical update after she was viciously knocked out by Alexa Grasso during Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 271 in Seattle.
The 27-year-old, from Colorado, was knocked outside inside the first minute by Grasso, a former UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion.
Grasso connected with a sharp left hook to the side of the head, before placing her opponent in a sleeper hold.
Barber, though, had already been knocked out by the initial impact, and the referee quickly waved the fight off.
Barber then wrapped both of her arms around the referee’s legs and appeared to be in significant distress, before falling on to the mat with her eyes wide open.
Swift medical treatment was administered and she remained motionless on the canvas for several minutes as her opponent, who had dropped down to both knees, watched on.
UFC president Dana White described the finish as ‘one of the greatest in sports history’, though there was genuine concern over Barber’s condition.
Fortunately, her partner Oscar Herrera, who is also a professional MMA fighter, issued a positive health update from the hospital.
“Part of the game,” he wrote, alongside a photo of Barber sitting up in what appears to be a hospital bed.
“Congrats to Alexa. We got caught but are okay. Will be back soon. Thanks for everyone checking in.”
Image: Instagram/Oscar Herrera
Barber has not publicly commented on the KO but did reshare Herrera’s post to her Instagram page, as well as several other well-wishes.
In her post-fight press conference, Grasso was asked by reporters about whether she had officially KO’d or submitted Barber, before being questioned on whether she was ‘worried’ for her opponent.
“It was both [KO and submission]. I think it was both,” she laughed.
“It’s part of the sport. You know that it’s always like that. I just wanted her to wake up as soon as possible.”
