Erin Blanchfield will take on Manon Fiorot at UFC Atlantic City this weekend. The rapidly rising star is being widely touted as a future champion in the flyweight division, and for good reasons. Just how far is Blanchfield from achieving her dreams and securing the belt?
Atlantic City a Golden Opportunity for Erin Blanchfield
At just 24 years of age, Blanchfield has been seizing every opportunity thrown at her. The grappling savant is currently 12-1 in her professional career and is riding a nine-fight win streak. So far she has been completely unfazed by the challenges presented to her in the UFC and doesn’t look like slowing down any time soon.
Blanchfield has a chance to stake her claim to the next title shot with a win over Fiorot in Atlantic City. Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko still have unfinished business to settle, however, Blanchfield will certainly be eyeing up the winner of that trilogy.
The American already has huge victories over Jessica Andrade and Taila Santos. She has been stacking up undeniable proof that she is ready for the best in this division. ‘Cold Blooded’ has played her hand perfectly and is only getting better.
The Erin Blanchfield Skillset
Blanchfield is an elite grappler, although she is a threat on the feet as well. She has three submission wins in her last four fights, including one against Andrade. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt likes to apply consistent pressure and furthermore, transitions on the ground effortlessly.
She is creative when it comes to takedowns and once on top, she is always looking for submissions. Blanchfield will stay busy in her opponents guard and look to wear them down. From there, she will look to pass and isolate an arm or take the back if the other fighter makes an attempt to escape. ‘Cold Blooded’ will make excellent decisions when grappling – if there is a submission to be had, she will find it.
Blanchfield’s striking has improved throughout her UFC career. She stood toe-to-toe with the likes of the powerful Andrade, and consistently got the better of her there. Her jab is an effective weapon, and she will set up her right hand with it well. She is able to throw fast combinations and incorporate a solid teep or high kick to mix things up. There were plenty of examples of all of this in the Santos fight.
Moreover, Blanchfield is effective in the clinch position. She is often able to use frames that allow her to land elbows and knees.
Prediction
I believe Erin Blanchfield will be successful in Atlantic City. Fiorot is on an 11-fight win streak and has impressive victories over Rose Namajunas, Katlyn Cerminara, and Jennifer Maia, but I don’t believe she is a giant step-up for Blanchfield. It will be a tough fight, but I predict Blanchfield will secure a submission win. What happens after that will of course depend on the Grasso and Shevchenko timeline, so if Blanchfield is required to fight one more time before a title shot, then I believe she will do this to stay active.
It is likely that gold is on the horizon for Erin Blanchfield.
