By: Rich Bergeron
This weekend features compelling action across both mixed martial arts and boxing, with UFC Vegas 107 headlined by Erin Blanchfield vs. Maycee Barber taking center stage alongside significant boxing cards featuring established names and rising contenders.
UFC Vegas 107: Blanchfield vs. Barber – May 31, 2025
Main Event: Women’s Flyweight Showdown
The UFC returns to the Apex facility in Las Vegas with a women’s flyweight bout that carries significant divisional implications. Erin Blanchfield faces Maycee Barber in the main event, representing a clash between two of the division’s most promising contenders.
Erin Blanchfield enters this contest as one of the most technically proficient grapplers in the women’s flyweight division. Known for her suffocating ground game and submission prowess, Blanchfield has built her reputation on methodical performances that showcase her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt credentials. Her wrestling base allows her to dictate where fights take place, often overwhelming opponents with her positional control and relentless pressure.
Blanchfield’s striking has evolved considerably throughout her UFC tenure. While she may not possess potent knockout power, her technical boxing and ability to set up takedowns through striking exchanges make her a well-rounded threat. Her top-level cardio gives her consistent advantages, allowing her to maintain pressure throughout three-round contests.
Maycee Barber represents the athletic, explosive side of the flyweight equation. “The Future” burst onto the scene with dynamic striking and aggressive forward pressure. Her athletic gifts are undeniable – explosive takedown defense, sharp boxing combinations, and the ability to generate power in short exchanges.
Barber’s evolution as a fighter has been notable. Early career setbacks taught her valuable lessons about pacing herself and the importance of fight IQ, leading to more measured approaches in recent outings. Her striking diversity, including effective kicks and knees, provides multiple weapons to threaten opponents. The question remains whether her takedown defense can withstand Blanchfield’s persistent wrestling attacks.
Tactical Breakdown: This matchup presents a classic grappler versus striker dynamic. Blanchfield will look to close the distance, secure takedowns, and control position while hunting for submissions. Barber’s success depends on maintaining a comfortable distance, stuffing takedown attempts, and unleashing combinations during brief exchanges.
The key factor that may sway the fight in her favor will be Barber’s ability to create scrambles and also wall-walking back up when taken down. If she can consistently return to her feet, her striking advantages become more pronounced. Conversely, if Blanchfield can establish prolonged ground control, her submission threats and ground-and-pound could prove decisive.
Co-Main Event: Lightweight Contenders Collide
Mateusz Gamrot faces Ludovit Klein in a lightweight bout that could have ranking implications for both fighters.
Mateusz Gamrot represents one of the most complete lightweights outside the division’s elite tier. The Polish veteran combines elite-level wrestling with increasingly dangerous striking. His grappling credentials speak for themselves – multiple submission victories and dominant positional control define his ground game.
Gamrot’s striking has developed into a legitimate threat. His boxing combinations, particularly his jab-cross sequences, set up takedown opportunities while keeping opponents honest on the feet. His conditioning allows him to maintain a grueling pace that often breaks opponents in later rounds.
Ludovit Klein brings European kickboxing pedigree and improving wrestling defense. His striking flows naturally, with excellent footwork and combination punching that can trouble any opponent. Klein’s recent performances have showcased improved takedown defense and scrambling ability.
The Slovakian’s path to victory involves keeping the fight standing and outworking Gamrot in striking exchanges. His volume and diversity of attacks could accumulate damage over three rounds if he can neutralize wrestling threats.
Fight Analysis: Gamrot enters as the betting favorite based on his grappling advantages and overall experience level. Klein’s striking poses legitimate threats, but his ability to defend takedowns consistently will determine the fight’s trajectory. Expect Gamrot to mix wrestling attempts with striking exchanges, while Klein looks to counter and maintain distance.
Light Heavyweight Action: Power Meets Technique
Dustin Jacoby meets Bruno Lopes in a light heavyweight contest featuring contrasting styles and experience levels.
Dustin Jacoby brings extensive kickboxing experience and proven UFC-level competition. His striking base provides clean technique and fight-ending power. Jacoby’s recent performances have demonstrated improved wrestling defense and ground awareness, addressing previous vulnerabilities.
His kickboxing background translates well to MMA, with excellent distance management and counter-striking ability. Jacoby’s leg kicks and boxing combinations can accumulate damage quickly against opponents who engage in striking exchanges.
Bruno Lopes represents the emerging Brazilian talent pipeline. His grappling base and submission threats provide alternative victory paths beyond striking exchanges. Lopes’ aggression and willingness to engage in exchanges make him dangerous throughout fights.
The Brazilian’s striking has shown improvement, though his tendency toward wild exchanges can create opportunities for technical strikers like Jacoby to capitalize.
Middleweight Prospects Square Off
Zachary Resse faces Dusko Todorovic in a middleweight bout between developing prospects seeking breakthrough performances.
Zachary Resse has shown flashes of potential with well-rounded skills and improved fight IQ. His wrestling base provides a foundation, while his striking continues developing. Resse’s ability to mix takedowns with striking exchanges keeps opponents guessing.
Dusko Todorovic brings European striking experience and knockout power. The Serbian’s boxing combinations and counter-striking ability make him dangerous in exchanges. His takedown defense has been tested but shows room for improvement against persistent wrestlers.
Preliminary Card Highlights
Flyweight Action: Brazilian Showdown
Jafel Filho squares off against Allan Nascimento in flyweight action, representing a clash between Brazilian fighters with different strengths.
Filho’s grappling-heavy approach contrasts with Nascimento’s more well-rounded skill set. Both fighters represent the depth of Brazil’s flyweight talent pool and will look to make statements with impressive performances.
Women’s Bantamweight: Experience vs. Youth
Ketlen Vieira meets Macy Chiasson in women’s bantamweight competition, pairing a former title challenger against an athletic rising contender.
Vieira’s experience at the highest levels of women’s bantamweight competition provides valuable insight into championship-level preparation. Her technical striking and grappling make her a complete threat at 135 pounds.
Chiasson’s athletic gifts and improving technique suggest significant upside. Her ability to adapt mid-fight and make necessary adjustments could prove crucial against a veteran like Vieira.
Boxing Weekend Showcase
Saturday Night Boxing: Plant Returns
Caleb Plant faces Jose Armando Resendiz on Saturday, May 31, 2025, marking the former super middleweight champion’s return to action. This bout will be broadcast on Amazon Prime from Las Vegas, Nevada.
Caleb Plant represents one of boxing’s most technically sound fighters. The former IBF super middleweight champion’s boxing IQ and defensive awareness make him a difficult puzzle for any opponent. Plant’s jab establishes distance and timing, while his footwork creates angles for counter-opportunities.
Plant’s recent setback against Canelo Alvarez provided a valuable learning experience in making championship-level adjustments. His ability to implement lessons learned from that bout and maintain his technical advantages will be crucial moving forward.
Jose Armando Resendiz enters as a live underdog with legitimate upset potential. His pressure-heavy fighting style and willingness to engage in exchanges could create problems for any fighters who prefers operating at a distance.
Resendiz’s success depends on closing distance, roughing up Plant on the inside, and making the fight ugly. His conditioning and ability to maintain pressure throughout rounds will determine his upset chances.
Jermall Charlo Returns
Jermall Charlo faces Thomas LaManna in what marks the return of one of boxing’s most talented middleweights. Charlo’s extended absence from active competition raises questions about ring rust and timing.
Jermall Charlo possesses elite-level power and boxing ability. His left hook can end fights instantly, while his overall skill set places him among the division’s best talents. The long layoff creates uncertainty about his current form and motivation.
Charlo’s jab sets up power shots effectively, and his ability to fight effectively at range makes him versatile. His return bout selection suggests a careful approach to returning to championship-level activity.
Thomas LaManna provides a suitable opponent for Charlo’s comeback. His durability and willingness to engage should provide adequate testing without overwhelming risk for the returning champion.
Rising Contender Action
Kyrone Davis meets Yoenli Hernandez in supporting action that could have implications for future title contention in their respective weight classes.
Davis represents American boxing’s developing talent pipeline, with technical skills and improving power. His amateur background provides a solid foundation for professional success.
Hernandez brings international experience and proven durability. His ability to make adjustments mid-fight and capitalize on any opponent’s mistakes makes him a dangerous opponent for any fighter.
Friday Night Boxing
Manuel Gallegos faces Khalil Coe on Friday, May 30, 2025, from Guadalajara, Mexico, kicking off the weekend’s boxing action. This bout will be available on DAZN.
The international setting provides an excellent atmosphere for competitive boxing. Both fighters enter with points to prove and opportunities to establish themselves in their respective divisions.
Viewing Information and Expectations
UFC Vegas 107 Details
The main card begins at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+, with preliminary action starting at 6 p.m. ET exclusively on ESPN+. The Apex facility provides an intimate setting that often produces exciting fights due to fighters hearing crowd reactions and corner instructions more clearly.
The card’s depth suggests potential for multiple performance bonuses, as UFC events at the Apex frequently reward exciting performances with financial incentives.
Boxing Broadcast Information
The boxing events span multiple platforms and time zones. Saturday’s main boxing card begins at 8:00 PM EST on Amazon Prime, while Friday’s action streams on DAZN.
Analysis and Predictions
UFC Vegas 107 Outlook
The Blanchfield vs. Barber main event represents genuine title eliminator potential in the women’s flyweight division. Both fighters sit near championship contention, making this bout crucial for future title shot considerations.
Blanchfield’s grappling advantages appear significant on paper, but Barber’s athletic gifts and improved fight IQ could create competitive exchanges. The fight likely comes down to Barber’s takedown defense and ability to create damage during stand-up exchanges.
The co-main event between Gamrot and Klein provides excellent stylistic contrast. Gamrot’s wrestling should prove decisive unless Klein can implement a perfect gameplan of distance management and takedown defense.
Boxing Event Analysis
Plant’s return represents significant interest for boxing fans. His technical skills remain elite-level, but questions about motivation and ring timing following the Canelo defeat create intrigue.
Charlo’s comeback carries more uncertainty due to his extended absence. His natural talent suggests success against LaManna, but ring rust and timing issues could create competitive moments.
PFL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS SET FOR NOV. 29 IN RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA
