Erin Blanchfield is on the cusp of her first UFC title opportunity. On Saturday, ‘Cold Blooded’ returned to the Octagon riding an eight-fight win streak for a high-stakes clash with one-time title challenger Taila Santos at UFC Singapore.
Sitting in the No. 3 spot in the flyweight rankings, Blanchfield was determined to keep her unbeaten run under the UFC banner intact as she met one of the most dangerous grapplers in the division, Taila Santos. In June 2022, Santos gave former flyweight champ Valentina Shevchenko an incredibly tough test and nearly handed ‘Bullet’ an L. Santos would love to opportunity to run it back with Shevchenko en route to another crack at the 125-pound title. But first, she’ll have to go through a veritable killer in Erin Blanchfield.
Round 1
Santos starts things off with a calf kick. Blanchfield responds with a low kick of her own followed by a jab. Santos looking to put her sharp Thai boxing on display and lands a solid right. Blanchfield attempts a takedown, but Santos brushes it off with ease. Santos’ power is on display early and Blanchfield is already showing some damage. Blanchfield lunges in and Santos lands with a combination. Blanchfield rushes in and closes the distance, pushing Santos against the fence.
Nice knee in the clinch from Blanchfield. An elbow from Santos encourages Blanchfield to back off and re-center. Blanchfield moves in again and eats a knee to the body. Blanchfield again attempts a takedown but briefly gives up her own back on the mat. Santos gets back to her feet and allows Blanchfield to stand up. A low kick from Santos lands. Blanchfield responds with a jab. Blanchfield eats a right as she moves in close and clinches again. Blanchfield puts Santos’ back against the fence and keeps her there for the remainder of the opening round.
Round 2
Blanchfield with a low kick right away. Santos fires back with a calf kick of her own. Blanchfield shoots for a takedown but quickly gives up on it. Santos continues to let her hands go, but before long, Blanchfield shoots again for a takedown and nearly completes it, but Santos uses the cage wall to keep her upright. Blanchfield clinches up against the fence, throwing knees into the body of Santos. Inside elbow from Santos lands.
Blanchfield is attempting to get Santos down with an inside trip. Santos reverses position, but her momentum allows Blanchfield to drag her to the mat and establish top control. Blanchfield passes into half-guard and manages to take the back as Santos fights her way back up. Back on the feet, Blanchfield is still pursuing the takedown and maintaining control in the clinch. Blanchfield separates but immediately moves back into the clinch as the second round ends.
Round 3
Santos comes out aggressive right away, but Blanchfield quickly attempts a takedown. Santos defends, stays on her feet, and lands a nice elbow as Blanchfield moves away. Santos is having some trouble with her right eye as Blanchfield lands a solid right hand before again closing the distance and pushing Santos against the fence. Blanchfield changes levels, fishing for a single leg. Blanchfield separates and re-shoots for a double-leg. Santos stays upright, but the pressure from Blanchfield is stifling her offense.
Blanchfield separates but again shoots in as soon as Santos attempts to throw strikes. Santos again creates distance with an elbow in close. A jab from Blanchfield lands. Blanchfield lets the hands go, backing up Santos which allows Blanchfield to once again clinch and narrowly score her first takedown of the fight. The fighters again separate and Blanchfield is landing some solid strikes as Santos is looking exhausted.
With 10 seconds to go, Blanchfield lands a right hand that stumbles Santos. Santos attempts a last-second takedown but Blanchfield is able to defend as the final horn sounds.
Official Result: Erin Blanchfield def. Taila Santos via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Check Out Highlights From Erin Blanchfield vs. Taila Santo at UFC Singapore Below:
Top 5️⃣ flyweights take the stage NOW!@Blanchfield_MMA vs Taila Santos
📺 Tune in to watch the main card LIVE on @ESPNPlus! #UFCSingapore pic.twitter.com/xnZoNGkE0Y
— UFC (@ufc) August 26, 2023
Lets go Erin Blanchfield#UFCSingapore pic.twitter.com/T0kqbJbVGA
— TheDiamondYeYe 💎 (@TheDiamondMMA) August 26, 2023
Make that NINE STRAIGHT WINS for @Blanchfield_MMA 👏👏👏
📺 Tune in to watch #UFCSingapore LIVE on @ESPNPlus! pic.twitter.com/XT7eYLLvQc
— UFC (@ufc) August 26, 2023
