Erin Blanchfield has doubled down on her callout for a title fight next.
On February 18, Blanchfield continued her journey to the top of the UFC women’s flyweight division. The 23-year-old looked impressive by securing a second-round submission against Jessica Andrade, who took the fight on short notice. As a result, ‘Cold Blooded’ was promoted to the number three ranking.
During her post-fight interview in the Octagon, Blanchfield capitalized on her mic time by calling for a title shot against Valentina Shevchenko or Alexa Grasso. She recently did an interview on DC&RC, reiterating her interest in a world championship fight by saying:
“I think a title shot next would definetely make sense. I called for it in the cage, and there’s only two girls ahead of me [in the rankings]. One of them already pulled out of a fight with me for whatever her reasons, the other I know is still hurt right now. I think after Valentina [Shevchenko] fights, I think I should get the winner next.”
Blanchfield was referring to number one-ranked Taila Santos, who was initially supposed to be her opponent at UFC Vegas 69, and number two-ranked Manon Fiorot, who had knee surgery in November 2022. Therefore, ‘Cold Blooded’ could be in the perfect position to secure a title shot in the women’s flyweight division.
Watch Erin Blanchfield appear on DC&RC below:
Erin Blanchfield wants to fight again on international fight week
Women’s flyweight queen Valentina Shevchenko returns to the Octagon on March 4 at UFC 285. ‘Bullet’ is looking to defend her throne against Alexa Grasso. Regardless of the winner, Erin Blanchfield wants to fight for the title several months later in July. She had this to say on DC&RC:
“I think if I could fight for the title [on] international fight week in July, that’d be perfect and I don’t really know what after that…”
Rose Namajunas became the youngest female UFC champion at 25 years old. If Blanchfield does fight Shevchenko/Grasso next, she has an opportunity to break that record. The 23-year-old has been praised by the MMA community, with many people believing she has what it takes to dethrone Shevchenko, who’s been the champion since December 2018.
