UFC returns to the APEX in Las Vegas on Saturday, May 31, for UFC on ESPN: Blanchfield vs. Barber, a pivotal event in the women’s flyweight division. Headlined by a high-stakes bout between top contenders Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber, this card features a mix of rising prospects and established contenders across multiple weight classes.
With title implications on the line and several intriguing matchups, fight fans can expect an action-packed night.
How to Watch
Start Times:
- United States: Main Card at 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT
- United Kingdom: Main Card at 2:00 AM BST (Sunday)
- Prelims: 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT
Broadcast Details:
- United States: ESPN, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes (Spanish)
- United Kingdom: TNT Sports 1, discovery+ Premium
- Streaming: ESPN+ app (US), discovery+ Premium or TNT Sports app (UK)
Main Card
| Weight Class | Matchup |
|---|---|
| Women’s Flyweight | Erin Blanchfield (#4) vs. Maycee Barber (#5) |
| Lightweight | Mateusz Gamrot (#7) vs. Ľudovít Klein |
| Welterweight | Billy Ray Goff vs. Seokhyeon Ko |
| Light Heavyweight | Dustin Jacoby vs. Bruno Lopes |
| Middleweight | Zachary Reese vs. Duško Todorović |
Prelims
| Weight Class | Matchup |
|---|---|
| Flyweight | Jafel Filho vs. Allan Nascimento |
| Welterweight | Jeremiah Wells vs. Andreas Gustafsson |
| Women’s Bantamweight | Ketlen Vieira (#3) vs. Macy Chiasson (#5) |
| Welterweight | Ramiz Brahimaj vs. Oban Elliott |
| Lightweight | Kurt Holobaugh vs. Jordan Leavitt |
| Lightweight | MarQuel Mederos vs. Bolaji Oki |
| Women’s Strawweight | Rayanne dos Santos vs. Alice Ardelean |
Main Event Preview
Erin Blanchfield (13-2)
Blanchfield enters the main event as one of the division’s fastest-rising stars. At just 25, she has already defeated former champions Rose Namajunas and Jéssica Andrade, compiling a 7-1 UFC record. With a well-rounded skill set and relentless pace, Blanchfield is looking to secure a title shot with a statement win. She suffered a setback in March 2024 when she lost a decision to Manon Fiorot but rebounded with a win over Namajunas last November.
Maycee Barber (14-2)
Barber, now 27, is riding a six-fight win streak, having notched victories over top contenders like Katlyn Cerminara, Amanda Ribas, and Andrea Lee. A Dana White’s Contender Series alum, Barber has developed into a powerful striker and aggressive finisher. She aims to cement her status as the clear No. 1 contender with a win over Blanchfield.
Flyweight Division Context
This fight has major title implications following champion Valentina Shevchenko’s recent successful title defense against Manon Fiorot at UFC 315 on May 10, 2025. Shevchenko won by unanimous decision (48-47 on all scorecards), reaffirming her dominance in the division at age 37. The winner of Blanchfield vs. Barber could potentially be next in line for a title shot against the champion.
Other Notable Fights
- Mateusz Gamrot vs. Ľudovít Klein: A clash between ranked lightweights with Gamrot looking to solidify his top-10 status.
- Ketlen Vieira vs. Macy Chiasson: A key women’s bantamweight bout between top-five contenders, both seeking a future title shot.
- Dustin Jacoby vs. Bruno Lopes: A light heavyweight battle with Jacoby’s striking against Lopes’ finishing ability.
- Rayanne dos Santos vs. Alice Ardelean: Former Invicta champion dos Santos returns from injury to face the surging Ardelean in a strawweight bout.
Venue and Tickets
- Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Tickets: Available via resale markets, with premium VIP packages through UFC’s official provider.
What’s at Stake
With both Blanchfield and Barber ranked in the top five, the main event could determine the next title challenger in the women’s flyweight division. Several other bouts feature fighters on the cusp of contention, making this a card worth your time for fans following the next wave of UFC contenders.
