Erin Blanchfield Willing to Fight Again Before Potential Flyweight Title Shot

Erin Blanchfield made the most of her in-cage interview time following her victory over Jessica Andrade at UFC Fight Night 219.

It wasn’t something that just happened in the heat of the moment. Instead, her call for the next flyweight title shot was by design.

“I always try to think of what I want to say after a win because it can be very emotional and it can be a little cloudy but I knew beating someone like her, especially if I finished her, that I could deserve that title next,” Blanchfield said at Saturday’s post-fight press conference.

With that in mind, Blanchfield figures to be an interested observer when Valentina Shevchenko defends her 125-pound belt against Alexa Grasso in the UFC 285 co-main event on March 4. Shevchenko has dominated the flyweight division and, along with Amanda Nunes, has ranked as one of the sport’s top pound-for-pound females for the past few years. That makes her the more attractive potential opponent for Blanchfield.

“I would definitely prefer Shevchenko,” Blanchfield said. “I think she beats Grasso. I think Grasso is a very tough fighter, but I want to be the one to take that title from [Shevchenko].”

Blanchfield has won five consecutive bouts in UFC competition, but Andrade was her first signature victory within the Las Vegas-based promotion. It’s the type of resume builder that will gain attention, but if an immediate title shot isn’t in the cards, Blanchfield is willing to stay busy in the meantime.

“I’m definitely OK with fighting again,” Blanchfield said. “The title fight’s in two weeks so I think it can line up perfect but if they want me to fight again, I’ll gain more experience.