- Erin Blanchfield is calling for a title fight next after submitting Jessica Andrade at UFC Vegas 69
- “Cold Blooded” hopes Valentina Shevchenko wins in her next title defense as she wants to be the one to dethrone the champ
Erin Blanchfield has taken a step closer to flyweight title contention after submitting former strawweight champion Jessica Andrade in their main event showdown at UFC Vegas 69. As expected, “Cold Blooded” insists she’s ready for a crack at UFC gold preferably against Valentina Shevchenko.
Erin knows what she wants
After her stunning win over Andrade, Blanchfield did not shy away from expressing her desire to fight for the flyweight title in her next bout. Assuming that might be likely, Blanchfield’s opponent will be determined after two weeks as Shevchenko is set to defend her title against Alexa Grasso at UFC 285.
What will happen two weeks from now is beyond Blanchfield’s control but she came clean about wanting to be the one to dethrone the reigning flyweight champ.
“I always try to think of what I want to say after a win,” Blanchfield told reporters in her post-fight press conference “It can be very emotional and you can be a little cloudy. I knew beating someone like her, especially if I finished her, that I could deserve that title (shot) next. … I’m (also) definitely OK with fighting again. I think the title fight is in two weeks, so I think it can line up perfectly. But if they want me to fight again, I’ll gain more experience.”
“I would definitely prefer Shevchenko. I think she beats Grasso,” she added. “I think Grasso is a very tough fighter, but I want to be the one to take that title from (Shevchenko).”
What a performance
Blanchfield had to make certain adjustments after her original opponent Taila Santos was replaced by arguably an even tougher challenge in Andrade just days before fight night. Nevertheless, “Cold Blooded” still prevailed and even finished the former champ in less than two rounds via a rear-naked choke.
Apart from making a stronger case to become the next title fight challenger, Blanchfield was also rewarded with“Fight of the Night” recognition along with a $50,000 performance bonus.
Blanchfield’s win over Andrade saw her unbeaten UFC record improved to five in a row. She is now set to break into the flyweight division’s top 5.
Andrade, meanwhile, suffered only her second defeat since moving up to flyweight in 2020. The first one was a title fight loss to Shevchenko at UFC 261.
All quotes via MMA Junkie.
