One prospect is in for another on the UFC's pay-per-view card next month.
Miranda Maverick will replace an injured Maycee Barber in a women's flyweight bout against Erin Blanchfield at UFC 269 on Dec. 11 in Las Vegas, UFC officials confirmed Tuesday to ESPN. The news was first reported by MMA Junkie. Blanchfield, like Maverick and Barber, is also a highly regarded 125-pound blue-chipper.
Maverick (9-3) lost a very close split decision to Barber in her last bout back in July. The Missouri native, who fights out of Virginia, had a five-fight win streak snapped with that defeat. Maverick, 24, is a former Invicta Phoenix Series one-night tournament winner.
Blanchfield (7-1) has won four straight. The New Jersey native won her UFC debut against Sarah Alpar via unanimous decision in September. Blanchfield, 22, has been a pro for three years.
UFC 269 is headlined by a lightweight title fight between champion Charles Oliveira and challenger Dustin Poirier. In the co-main event, UFC double champion Amanda Nunes defends her bantamweight title against Julianna Pena.