Erin Blanchfield looks like a little happy puppy, says Valentina Shevchenko

27 February 2023

The victory over Jessica Andrade by Erin Blanchfield is being contested by Valentina Shevchenko.

By submitting Andrade in the second round, Blanchfield sent a message to the UFC women's flyweight division. 'Cold Blooded' is currently ranked third and has a chance to compete for the championship the following time around.

When the Brazilian withdrew due to visa complications, Blanchfield was previously scheduled to fight Taila Santos. As a result, "Bate Estaca" stepped in without warning and had just one week to get ready for the upcoming sensation. Andrade defeated a former world champion despite her short preparation period, demonstrating yet again how capable she is of capturing a UFC championship in the future.

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Since her hand was raised against Jessica Andrade, Erin Blanchfield has demanded a shot at the women's flyweight championship. Blanchfield has a strong case for being given a shot at the world championship the following time around because Taila Santos and Manon Fiorot probably need one more victory before squaring off for the throne.

Shevchenko, however, is not impressed by the win.

“Erin, she's talking too much right now, using the opportunity to bring her name up and yeah, she's young. She's kind of like 23 years old. This is what she has to do but I think, for the title fight, she is still green... For me, she looks like a little, happy puppy,” she said.

At UFC 285 on March 4, Shevchenko will defend her flyweight title against Alexa Grasso. If "Bullet" prevails, Blanchfield would be the most likely contender for the title at 125 pounds. The Kyrgyzstan native could yet increase his weight to 135 pounds for a trilogy battle with Amanda Nunes. The 34-year-old shouldn't forget about Grasso before worrying about what comes next.