Erin Blanchfield has cemented herself as a rising star in the UFC women’s flyweight division after submitting former strawweight champion Jessica Andrade in the main event of UFC Vegas 69 on Saturday.
Blanchfield, who is just 23 years old, put on a clinic in the octagon, showcasing her striking and ground skills to secure victory despite entering as an underdog. Both fighters traded shots in the opening round, with Andrade defending Blanchfield’s takedown attempts well. But in the second round, Blanchfield hit a beautiful trip to take Andrade down to the mat.
From there, she quickly climbed onto Andrade’s back and secured an impressive rear-naked choke submission. Andrade, who had won her last three fights, had no choice but to tap out.
Blanchfield, who is now 5-0 in the UFC, immediately called for a meeting with the winner of the upcoming title fight between Valentina Shevchenko and Alexa Grasso. Her victory over Andrade, who is ranked in both the strawweight and flyweight divisions, has put her in the title mix at 125 pounds.
Blanchfield’s performance was particularly impressive given that Andrade is known for her knockout power. Blanchfield not only held her own on the feet but also demonstrated her dominant ground game, making her a well-rounded threat in the division.
The win marks Blanchfield’s first appearance in a UFC main event, and it’s clear that she has the potential to become one of the best young title prospects in the UFC. Blanchfield’s dominance in the flyweight division has been something to behold, and her victory over Andrade proves that she is a force to be reckoned with in the octagon.
UFC Vegas 69 Results
Main Card
- Erin Blanchfield defeats Jessica Andrade by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:37 of Round 2
- Zac Pauga defeats Jordan Wright by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
- Jamal Pogues defeats Josh Parisian by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
- Marcin Prachnio defeats William Knight by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Alexander Hernandez defeats Jim Miller by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Prelims
- Nazim Sadykhov defeats Evan Elder by TKO (doctor stoppage) at 0:38 of Round 3
- Mayra Bueno Silva defeats Lina Lansberg by submission (kneebar) at 4:46 of Round 2
- Jamall Emmers defeats Khusein Askhabov by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Philipe Lins defeats Ovince Saint Preux by KO (punches) at 0:49 of Round 1
- AJ Fletcher defeats Themba Gorimbo by submission (guillotine choke) at 1:37 of Round 2
- Clayton Carpenter defeats Juancamilo Ronderos by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:13 of Round 1