Erin Blanchfield finally erased the only blemish that had lingered from the early days of her professional journey, submitting Tracy Cortez in their long awaited rematch at UFC 322. Their first encounter took place more than six years ago, when Cortez handed Blanchfield her first loss. This time, the result swung sharply in the opposite direction.
Both fighters approached the opening round with patience, preferring to trade strikes rather than force wrestling exchanges. Cortez tried to stay busy with short combinations, while Blanchfield aimed to disrupt rhythm with counters and level changes that never fully committed to a shot.
The rematch took a dramatic turn once the second round began. Cortez initiated the ground battle by dragging Blanchfield down, but the New Jersey contender reacted instantly and reversed the position. From that moment on, Blanchfield controlled the tempo. She grabbed hold of Cortez’s legs, drove through for a clean takedown, and quickly advanced to the opening she needed.
Once Blanchfield locked her arm under the chin, the pressure increased every second. Even without securing full hooks, she tightened the hold until Cortez signaled the end. The official stoppage was recorded at four minutes and forty four seconds of round two.
After climbing to her feet, Blanchfield made her feelings clear.
“I’m feeling amazing,” she said. “I really wanted to redeem this win. I love that I’m fighting on the same card as Valentina [Shevchenko] and [Zhang] Weili. I definitely have my eye super close on that fight.”
Erin Blanchfield submits Tracy Cortez 🔥
Watch #UFC322 prelims on ESPNNEWS, FX, Disney+ and the ESPN App pic.twitter.com/Y8JUgXg9wj
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 16, 2025
The victory gives Blanchfield two straight wins in the flyweight division, restoring her momentum at a time when the championship situation is unfolding on the same event. With Valentina Shevchenko and Zhang Weili meeting for the belt later in the night, Blanchfield’s performance may place her at the front of the line for whoever emerges with gold.
Her record now reflects not only evolution but also closure, as the lone loss Cortez once handed her has finally been answered in decisive fashion.
