UFC Vegas 69: UFC Apex; Las Vegas
In time all kingdoms fall. It’s the circle of life. For a long time now the UFC’s women’s 125-pound division has been ruled by a sniper in Valentina Shevchenko. It’s hard to imagine that she won’t sit atop it forever. But that won’t be the case. Especially now that female flyweight is becoming interesting after a monster win for Erin Blanchfield.
Yes, the highly ranked at 115, and 125 Jessica Andrade took the fight on a weeks notice. But there’s no excuses at this level. In the 23-year old New Jersey native’s first-main event slot she looked like a season pro; for the most part.
She extended her win streak to eight, and grabbed her sixth-finish; doing so very efficiently. The duo kept a high pace till the rear-naked choke came at 1:37 of round two. “Cold-Blooded” stayed in the pocket and exchanged with easily the hardest hitter in the division. She used her four-inch reach well in their exchanges. And that seemed to have Andrade off tilt a bit, and frustrated.
Although not officially stopping two-takedown attempts in the opening round, Andrade did keep the fight on the feet. Which should have given her a huge advantage. But Blanchfield’s chin is obviously better than thought of originally.
And with a nice inside trip Blanchfield took the fight to her domain. The ground. Easily going right into side control, then gaining her back for the submission.
Female Flyweight Becoming Interesting… But Not Top Dog Yet
Blanchfield called for the winner of Shevchenko and Alexa Grasso in two-weeks. Would that be a fun fight? Sure, maybe. However; should the strap be flipped in an upset, you can bet “Bullet” gets an immediate rematch. Which would mean Blanchfield would sit till the fall approximately if she wanted that to be her next fight.
And coming into this fight Blanchfield sat at 10 in the rankings with Andrade at three. Yes, Andrade might slip a bit, and Blanchfield will rise no doubt. But it may be tough to slide Blanchfield at three just yet. Especially since time and again rushing youth up the rankings and to title shots has back-fired. Maybe one or two more tests, then she’d be primed truly for the shot she wants so badly. Pumping the brakes is never a bad thing.
Fellow New Jersian Katlyn Chookagian who is just as lanky as Blanchfield or the hot Manon Fiorot can be the bumper in between the next queen’s reign. Because as it sits right now; as good as she is, the division’s head is still a head above her. Is Blanchfield the female Jon Jones? No, not at all. But she’s got some special things going for her. Like being cool, calm, collected, and she’s getting locked in. And having a Brazilian Jiu-jitsu black belt, and a long reach doesn’t hurt. Either does a now tested chin.
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