“She’s Delighted” – Jamal Murray’s Gesture for UFC Heartthrob Goes Viral as Fans Have 1 Thing to Say

Sporting crossovers have been a tradition as old as the sports themselves. Over the years, we have seen athletes from different disciplines make special appearances to explore the excitement beyond. And one of the most prominent has been the relationship between the UFC and the NBA. Remember all the times when PPV main eventers pay a visit to the home of iconic basketball teams? UFC Embedded has revealed many stars doing the same, including Jon Jones during UFC 309 and Paddy Pimblett during UFC 314 when they visited the games of the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat, respectively.

It seems that the two words have collided in the best way possible yet again, and fans can’t get enough. Maycee Barber, the surging women’s flyweight contender, recently met up with Denver Nuggets star point guard Jamal Murray, and the encounter has everyone talking. Known for her explosive finishes, ‘The Future’ is gearing up for a high-stakes clash against Erin Blanchfield at UFC Fight Night 257 on June 1, 2025. Currently ranked #4 in the women’s flyweight division, the Colorado native is riding a six-fight winning streak and has firmly established herself as a force in the Octagon.

Before her return to the cage, Barber showed love to her hometown NBA squad by attending a Nuggets game, and it was there that she crossed paths with Murray. The Canadian guard helped lead the Nuggets to their first NBA Championship in 2023 and has an impressive resume of his own. From earning All-Rookie Second Team honors in 2017 to being named MVP of the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge that same year, he’s become a cornerstone of Denver’s success.

As shared by the official pages of the NBA and UFC, the meeting featured a carousel of photos and videos showing the pair exchanging gifts. Barber signed her fight gloves for Murray, while he gave her a signed jersey and a quick hug before returning to the court. The post read, “Jamal welcomes Colorado native UFC fighter, Maycee Barber, into his ring for the day.”

This was a new sight for the fans, and they rushed to the comments to talk about the crossover. Some fans were excited about the news, while some were hilarious with their comments on the duo’s height difference. Let’s see!

Fans react to Maycee Barber’s meet-up with the Denver Nuggets 

This crossover between two sports has happened before — NBA star Blake Griffin once trained with UFC lightweight Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone nine years ago. Now, a fresh crossover moment has fans excited again, and they’re showing support for both athletes. One follower said, “Shoutout to Maycee!! CO REPRESENT,” while another added, “Bring the UFC back to Denver.”

‘The Future’ may not be from Denver — she’s from Greeley, Colorado — but she made history in Denver by winning her UFC debut via TKO in Round 2 against Hannah Cifers. The UFC has held events in Denver on seven occasions since 1993. The most recent was UFC on ESPN: Namajunas vs. Cortez on July 13, 2024. Barber was originally set to face Rose Namajunas on that card, but withdrew due to health issues, including an Epstein-Barr viral infection after her previous fight against Katlyn Chookagian at UFC 299.

A page by the name @gifi.luxurycompetitions wrote, “That’s awesome! Maycee Barber is a true inspiration for Colorado athletes. It’s great to see her sharing her skills. Wishing her continued success!” Barber’s MMA journey — highlighted by 9 UFC wins — continues to inspire fans in Colorado and aspiring athletes everywhere.

Another follower mentioned her visit to the NBA arena and said, “Bet she’s delighted to enter his ring.” One fan humorously noted the difference in size between the two athletes, saying, “I’m sure Jamal was really excited about those gloves.” Murray stands at 6’4”, while Barber is 5’5”, so it’s no surprise those UFC gloves wouldn’t quite fit.

Someone else commented on their adorable height difference and wrote, “@mayceebarber is 6ft, this is just a weird angle.” Another fan hyped up the crossover and said, “Yo, this is lit, keep going.” One eagle-eyed viewer pointed out a brief moment between the two and wrote, “That hug says a lot.” What do you think about this crossover? Tell us in the comments below!

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