Roxanne Modafferi has ended a second fighter's win streak. Last April, "The Happy Warrior" defeated Antonina Shevchenko by split decision. At UFC 246 on Saturday, she was all smiles again as she handed highly-touted up and comer Maycee Barber the first loss of her career.
Modafferi had a strong opening round, taking down the heavily favorited Barber within the first minute. Modafferi dropped Barber again with a jab to begin the second round; however, it appeared that Barber's knee had given out. Modafferi took advantage of her position and cut "The Future" with an elbow that sent blood gushing down her face.
The Octagonside physician examined Barber between rounds, telling referee Jason Herzog that she had a partial ACL tear, but cleared her to continue fighting. Barber fought valiantly, but with her leg compromised, she was no real threat to Modafferi.
Although the fight went the distance, Modafferi was the clear winner. The judges scored it 30-27 twice and 30-26 in favor of the No. 7-ranked Modafferi (24-17). The No. 9-ranked Barber, who had hopes of becoming the youngest UFC champion ever, fell to 8-1.