Carli Judice Faces Maycee Barber at UFC 335

Judice's Career Milestone

Carli Judice is set to face Maycee Barber at UFC 335, a significant fight in her career. The matchup was announced by the UFC on Wednesday, adding to an already stacked card. Judice comes into this fight with a strong record, having not lost since her debut in the Octagon. Out of her four victories, three have come by way of TKO, showcasing her striking power. Currently, she ranks six spots below Barber in the Meta rankings and remains unranked in media lists, making this fight a crucial opportunity for her to establish herself as a contender.

The Path to UFC 335

Judice, born in Lafayette, Louisiana, began her athletic journey in softball before transitioning to mixed martial arts. After leaving college softball, she worked as a food assistant, where she discovered her passion for MMA. She quickly made a name for herself in the amateur circuit, winning her first three fights before turning professional in 2022. Judice continued her winning streak, knocking out her first three opponents, which led to her appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series. Despite suffering her first loss there, she secured a contract with the UFC.

Her Octagon debut came against Gabriella Fernandes, where she faced another setback. However, after a nine-month hiatus, Judice returned to the cage in March 2025, delivering a head-kick knockout against Yuneisy Duben. She followed this with a Performance of the Night-winning finish against Nicolle Caliari at UFC 318, solidifying her status as a rising star in the flyweight division.

Barber's Challenge

Judice's upcoming opponent, Maycee Barber, presents a formidable challenge. Once seen as a future star, Barber's career has faced ups and downs, including an upset loss to Roxanne Modafferi and an ACL injury. After a series of wins, she suffered a significant defeat in a rematch against Alexa Grasso, where she was knocked out and subsequently submitted. This loss has put pressure on Barber to perform well against Judice to maintain her ranking and title aspirations.

Despite being known for her striking, Barber also possesses a solid ground game, which could be crucial in this matchup against Judice, who has yet to be tested extensively on the ground.

Implications for the Flyweight Division

A victory for Judice could be beneficial for the UFC, particularly in promoting the women’s flyweight division. Current champion Natalia Silva faces challenges in terms of marketability, and Judice's engaging personality and American background could make her a more appealing figure for fans. With a win at UFC 335, Judice could transition from a promising prospect to a contender worth watching in the division.

The fight is scheduled for December 12, where Judice will aim to prove herself against a seasoned opponent in Barber.