LAS VEGAS – Erin Blanchfield officially has her short-term sights set on gold.
Following a submission win over former strawweight champion Jessica Andrade at UFC Fight Night 219, Blanchfield (11-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC) called for a shot at the winner of flyweight champ Valentina Shevchenko vs. Alexa Grasso, a bout scheduled for March 4 at UFC 285.
The callout was perhaps out of character for Blanchfield, but she told reporters at her post-fight news conference the request did not diverge from her usual persona.
“I always try to think of what I want to say after a win,” Blanchfield told MMA Junkie and other reporters.. “It can be very emotional and you can be a little cloudy. I knew beating someone like her, especially if I finished her, that I could deserve that title (shot) next. … I’m (also) definitely OK with fighting again. I think the title fight is in two weeks, so I think it can line up perfectly. But if they want me to fight again, I’ll gain more experience.”
Shevchenko is set to defend her title two weeks after Blanchfield’s win. Whether a title shot is in the immediate or the more distant future, Blanchfield hopes it’s against Shevchenko.
“I would definitely prefer Shevchenko. I think she beats Grasso,” Blanchfield said. “I think Grasso is a very tough fighter, but I want to be the one to take that title from (Shevchenko).”
With the victory, Blanchfield, 23, now has won all five of her UFC bouts, including three by submission. She has not lost in her professional MMA career outside of a controversial split decision defeat to Tracy Cortez.
Shevchenko, 34, is the only women’s flyweight champion in UFC history and has reigned since 2018. She rides a nine-fight winning streak, including victories over Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Jessica Andrade, Lauren Murphy and, most recently, Taila Santos.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 219.
