November 3, 2024 10:30 am ET
EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada – UFC Fight Night 246 marked an enormous second for Erin Blanchfield, as she defeated former champion Rose Namajunas by unanimous decision.
The five-round co-main occasion befell Saturday at Rogers Place and propelled Blanchfield (13-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC) one step additional towards getting her first UFC title alternative.
It didn’t come with out battle, nonetheless. Namajunas (13-7 MMA, 11-6 UFC) puzzled Blanchfield together with her putting within the first two rounds earlier than Blanchfield swung the momentum to take the ultimate three rounds.
“It was a brilliant robust battle,” Blanchfield informed MMA Junkie and different reporters at a post-fight information convention. “I really feel like I gained the final three rounds, and we dropped the primary two. I feel it was a extremely good expertise.” … I do know I at all times have that in myself. I want I might cease dropping these first one or two rounds. However I knew if I discovered my timing with that takedown once more, and I knew it was my battle.”
Whereas there’s nonetheless a lot to enhance on, Blanchfield mentioned she desires to ensure one other large matchup is subsequent. Given {that a} title battle is probably going out of attain with Manon Fiorot ready within the wings, Blanchfield known as for the following best choice: Alexa Grasso (16-4-1 MMA, 8-4-1 UFC), the lady who held the belt previous to the present champion Valentina Shevchenko. “I feel she already mentioned one thing that she would like to take that battle, so I feel it’s going to occur,” Blanchfield mentioned. “… She’s one other nice boxer similar to Rose is. I might see it being comparable. … I really feel like all my fights that I’ve had have led me as much as that time. Combating in opposition to these ranges of opponents will actually set me up.
“I don’t wish to battle folks that aren’t essentially going to ever be champs themselves. I really feel like that’s not going to present me the expertise I want. That’s why I known as somebody out, somebody like Alexa.”
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