UFC Star Maycee Barber Suffers Brutal KO and Choke Out Loss

Barber was knocked unconscious before being choked out in the co-main event at UFC Fight Night in Seattle.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:12pm

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Top UFC women's flyweight contender Maycee Barber was on the receiving end of a shocking finish at UFC Fight Night in Seattle, as she was first knocked out cold and then immediately choked out by former division champion Alexa Grasso in the co-main event at Climate Pledge Arena.

Why it matters

Barber was considered a rising star in the UFC's women's flyweight division, so this brutal loss will likely set her back in her quest to challenge for the title. The frightening sequence of events also raised concerns about fighter safety and the need for improved medical protocols in the sport.

The details

In the co-main event, Barber and Grasso engaged in a back-and-forth battle before Grasso landed a devastating right hand that instantly knocked Barber unconscious. Without hesitation, Grasso then quickly transitioned to a rear-naked choke, forcing the referee to intervene and stop the fight.

  • The fight took place on March 29, 2026 at UFC Fight Night in Seattle, Washington.

The players

Maycee Barber

A top-five ranked women's flyweight contender in the UFC with a 12-3 professional record.

Alexa Grasso

A former UFC women's flyweight champion who defeated Barber via knockout and submission in the co-main event.

Climate Pledge Arena

The venue in Seattle, Washington that hosted the UFC Fight Night event.

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The takeaway

This brutal finish highlights the inherent dangers of MMA and the need for continued improvements in fighter safety protocols, medical oversight, and post-fight care to protect athletes like Maycee Barber from suffering serious harm.