The UFC is a hotbed of some of the most talented prizefighters on the planet. Be it fighters in their prime, or around it, there is always a seemingly continuous inflow of new talent as well. One such talent that has quietly been making her mark is Erin Blanchfield.
For those unaware, ‘Cold Blooded’ is one of the most highly touted prospects in the UFC. Since making her UFC debut in 2021, Blanchfield has slowly managed to make her way to the top of women’s MMA. As a result, it has garnered her high praise from UFC President Dana White and others.
Despite Erin not being a household name yet, she has managed to take her position at the top of the flyweight division and the women’s pound-for-pound ranking. At only 24 years of age, Blanchfield finds herself as the #2 flyweight contender and #4 in women’s P4P rankings. As such, let’s analyze the youngster and her rise.
Erin Blanchfield’s resume and biggest UFC wins
Previously, Erin Blanchfield made her UFC debut against Sarah Alpar. Rounding off her performance with a dominant decision win, Erin had the perfect start. Thereafter, she was immediately pitted against a fellow prospect Miranda Maverick at UFC 269. However, she managed to pass the test with flying colors once again.
Thereafter, the UFC tested the youngster a little more by putting her against a live target in JJ Aldrich. Once again, Blanchfield prevailed, locking in a guillotine choke in Round 2 to call it a day. An impressive win, the fight also showed Erin’s growth. Thereafter, she would go on to maul Molly McCann at UFC 281, before making her quit to a Kimura lock within the very first Round.
BLANCHFIELD GETS THE SUBMISSION OVER ANDRADE 😮 #UFCVEGAS69 pic.twitter.com/GkHJosJuqX
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) February 19, 2023
Following the win over McCann, Blanchfield was given her first Fight Night headliner against Taila Santos. Unfortunately, Santos pulled out leaving Erin to face former champ Jessica Andrade on short notice. On the night, it was Andrade who was made to look like the rookie with Blanchfield submitting her in Round 2. Thereafter, she would get her initial fight against title challenger Santos, securing a unanimous decision against her last year.
Erin Blanchfield takes on Manon Fiorot at UFC Atlantic City
Considering the fact that Erin Blanchfield managed to dispatch two of the biggest names in her division on short notice and in quick succession, it had a lot more people take notice of the fighter. However, at the same time, there were some who questioned the wins over Taila Santos and Jessica Andrade.
Despite coming in on a three-fight win streak, many felt that Andrade was not yet ready for the style that Erin Blanchfield brings. With a good balance of pressure striking and meaningful takedowns from Blanchfield, the former champ was likely not in her best condition. This was further backed up by her KO loss to Yan Xianon in her next fight. On the other hand, Santos lost a split decision to the champ, Valentina Shevchenko, and was deemed too old.
Atlantic City, HERE WE COME 👊@Blanchfield_MMA vs @ManonFiorot_MMA
Happening THIS Saturday LIVE on ESPN+ | #UFCAtlanticCity pic.twitter.com/aqnkBxZSga
— UFC (@ufc) March 25, 2024
With that said, Erin is now set to headline her second fight night card, this time against the #3 ranked Manon Fiorot. All things considered, the matchup promises to be one to watch with two very talented fighters going at it. Mostly, it will be a big moment for Erin Blanchfield as a win puts her in line for the title shot next. Whilst Valentina Shevchenko and Alexa Grasso hold the top of the division, it likely will not be that way for too long.