“Stop with lazy Apex cards” – UFC announcing Maycee Barber vs. Erin Blanchfield as main event fight captures negative reactions

Frustated UFC fans slam the new UFC Vegas card featuring Maycee Barber vs. Erin Blanchfield as the main event.

“Stop with lazy Apex cards” – UFC announcing Maycee Barber vs. Erin Blanchfield as main event fight captures negative reactions

Fans are not happy with the UFC Vegas 106 card (via Imago/X)

Dana White’s UFC is the top MMA promotion, delivering weekly action, though some events, especially Apex cards, often disappoint fans significantly. While pay-per-view events usually meet expectations, certain fight nights lack excitement, failing to generate the same level of hype. The UFC Apex frequently hosts lackluster cards, drawing criticism from fight fans. 

Recently, the promotion announced the upcoming UFC Vegas 106 fight night, which will take place in the Apex in Las Vegas. In the main event bout, Maycee Barber will face Erin Blanchfield in a significant flyweight bout. However, following the announcement, the disappointment from fight fans was clearly visible.

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Blanchfield fought twice in 2024, one of them incuded her first UFC loss to Manon Fiorot in UFC Atlantic City’s main event. She rebounded at UFC Edmonton in November, securing a unanimous decision win over former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas. She is ranked #3 in the division, and wants to win in order to get a title shot.

On the other hand, Barber will return to the octagon after 14 months, riding a six-fight win streak. Her latest wins against Katlyn Cerminara and Amanda Ribas will keep her confidence high going into the fight. Other than this, a light heavyweight bout between Dustin Jacoby and Bruno Lopes will serve as the co-main event.  

Fight fans react to ‘boring’ UFC Vegas 106 fight card 

Recently, UFC held the UFC Vegas 105, where former middleweight title contender Marvin Vettori fought Roman Dolidze in the main event. Dolidze put on a great volume to beat the ‘Italian Dream.’ He even called out big names such as Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya for his next match-up. 

Criticism around lackluster UFC card featuring Maycee Barber vs. Erin Blanchfield
Criticism around lackluster UFC card featuring Maycee Barber vs. Erin Blanchfield (via Imago)

However, many fans believed that the fight was lackluster and the UFC should give more effort in making cards. Despite the outrage, the promotion has made the same mistake with UFC Vegas 106. Nevertheless, here are some reactions from fight fans.

As expected, fans were mostly unhappy with the bout and didn’t shy away from mocking the card. Few joked about watching Slap Fighting and One Championship instead of this. Few fans also commented on how the UFC was going down despite its status as the biggest combat sports promotion.

Is the UFC becoming lackluster

Over the last few years, the UFC has become less exciting, making fans feel the sport is losing its thrill and unpredictability. One major issue is the lack of true superstars who captivate audiences and bring excitement to every fight they enter. Many high-profile fighters have retired or become inactive, leaving a void that newer fighters have struggled to fill effectively.

Why are UFC fans complaining about boring fights
Why are UFC fans complaining about boring fights (via X)

The UFC also hosts too many events, oversaturating the market and reducing the anticipation for big fights. Fight cards often feel weak, with fewer must-watch matchups that truly excite longtime fans of the sport. On top of that, many fighters now adopt safer styles. A majority focus on point-scoring rather than seeking finishes, making fights less thrilling.

Apart from that, judging controversies continue to frustrate fans, as questionable decisions impact rankings and title opportunities unfairly. Lastly, overhyped fights often fail to deliver, making fans feel disappointed after investing time and money in lackluster events.

Related: Who holds the record for most wins in UFC history?