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