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Maycee Barber Says She Doesn’t Feel Safe With Referee Mark Smith After UFC 323 Upkick Ruling

She is pursuing a swift booking following her criticism of officiating in her comeback win.

Overview

  • Barber says an illegal upkick from Karine Silva landed clean and left her dizzy, but referee Mark Smith called it a glancing blow and told her to decide whether to continue.
  • She contends Smith neither restored her ground position nor issued a penalty for the foul, leaving her confused about what she had done wrong.
  • Event replays showed the kick connected and the UFC broadcast team questioned the ruling during the live coverage.
  • Barber also reports a separate round‑timer mistake in the second round that she believes extended a late triangle sequence.
  • After winning a unanimous decision to push her streak to seven, she says she has spoken with matchmaker Mick Maynard about a quick turnaround, potentially as soon as February.