Erin Blanchfield, the rising flyweight contender, is not content with sitting on the sidelines as she waits for a title shot in her division.
Erin Blanchfield, the rising flyweight contender, is not content with sitting on the sidelines as she waits for a title shot in her division. Despite being next in line for a flyweight championship fight. Blanchfield has set her sights on a different weight class and is considering a move up to 135 pounds to pursue another championship.
The 24-year-old showcased her skills by delivering an impressive victory over Jessica Andrade in February. With her dominant performances, Blanchfield appeared destined for a shot at the 125-pound title. However, an unexpected upset occurred when Alexa Grasso dethroned the formidable Valentina Shevchenko to claim the belt. Now, a highly anticipated rematch between Grasso and Shevchenko is in the works for September. Leaving Blanchfield in a holding pattern.
Upon hearing the news of Amanda Nunes’ retirement at UFC 289, Blanchfield immediately saw an opportunity. The idea of moving up to a new weight class, where she could potentially secure a championship sooner rather than later, intrigued her.
Blanchfield boasts an impressive 11-1 record in her professional career, with a perfect 5-0 record in the UFC. Her recent success includes three consecutive submission finishes, culminating in her victory over Andrade. With her well-rounded skills and determination. Blanchfield has proven herself as a force to be reckoned with in the flyweight division.
In the bantamweight division, Julianna Peña emerges as the most likely candidate for a title shot now that the belt has been vacated by Nunes. Peña holds a previous victory over Nunes and currently sits at the top of the division rankings. Another name to consider is Raquel Pennington, who boasts an impressive five-fight winning streak. However, despite her recent success, Pennington has fallen short in her bouts against previous UFC champions Nunes, Germaine de Randamie, and Holly Holm.
Blanchfield’s contemplation of a weight class change adds an intriguing dynamic to the evolving landscape of women’s MMA. Her determination to seek new challenges and her pursuit of championship gold demonstrates her ambition and desire to leave her mark on the sport.
As the flyweight division awaits the outcome of the Grasso vs. Shevchenko rematch. Blanchfield’s potential move to bantamweight introduces a fresh storyline in an already captivating division. Whether she remains at 125 pounds or ventures into the realm of 135 pounds. Erin Blanchfield’s talent and drive are sure to make her a significant contender in whichever weight class she chooses to pursue her championship aspirations.
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