EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada – UFC Struggle Evening 246 marked a giant second for Erin Blanchfield, as she defeated former champion Rose Namajunas by unanimous resolution.
The five-round co-main occasion occurred 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 wrestle, nevertheless. 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 powerful combat,” Blanchfield informed MMA Junkie and different reporters at a post-fight information convention. “I really feel like I received the final three rounds, and we dropped the primary two. I feel it was a extremely good expertise.” … I do know I all the time 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 combat.”
Whereas there’s nonetheless a lot to enhance on, Blanchfield mentioned she needs to verify one other massive matchup is subsequent. Given {that a} title combat is probably going out of attain with Manon Fiorot ready within the wings, Blanchfield referred to as for the following most suitable choice: Alexa Grasso (16-4-1 MMA, 8-4-1 UFC), the girl 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 combat, so I feel it’s going to occur,” Blanchfield mentioned. “… She’s one other nice boxer identical to Rose is. I may see it being related. … 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 need to combat 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 would like. That’s why I referred to as somebody out, somebody like Alexa.”
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC Struggle Evening 246.
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