LAS VEGAS – Erin Blanchfield formally has her short-term sights set on gold.
Following a submission win over former strawweight champion Jessica Andrade at UFC Fight Night 219, Blanchfield (11-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC) known as for a shot on the winner of flyweight champ Valentina Shevchenko vs. Alexa Grasso, a bout scheduled for March 4 at UFC 285.
The callout was maybe out of character for Blanchfield, however she informed reporters at her post-fight information convention the request didn’t diverge from her normal persona.
“I at all times strive to think about what I wish to say after a win,” Blanchfield informed MMA Junkie and different reporters.. “It may be very emotional and also you could be a little cloudy. I knew beating somebody like her, particularly if I completed her, that I may deserve that title (shot) subsequent. … I’m (additionally) positively OK with preventing once more. I believe the title battle is in two weeks, so I believe it might line up completely. But when they need me to battle once more, I’ll achieve extra expertise.”
Shevchenko is ready to defend her title two weeks after Blanchfield’s win. Whether or not a title shot is within the rapid or the extra distant future, Blanchfield hopes it’s towards Shevchenko.
“I’d positively want Shevchenko. I believe she beats Grasso,” Blanchfield stated. “I believe Grasso is a really powerful fighter, however I wish to be the one to take that title from (Shevchenko).”
With the victory, Blanchfield, 23, now has gained all 5 of her UFC bouts, together with three by submission. She has not misplaced in her skilled MMA profession exterior of a controversial cut up choice defeat to Tracy Cortez.
Shevchenko, 34, is the only women’s flyweight champion in UFC historical past and has reigned since 2018. She rides a nine-fight profitable streak, together with victories over Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Jessica Andrade, Lauren Murphy and, most lately, Taila Santos.
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC Fight Night 219.
