Edmonton — Women’s flyweight contender Erin Blanchfield returns to Edmonton on Saturday, anchoring the co-main event of the UFC’s latest Fight Night card opposite Canadian Jasmine Jasudavicius.
The pair were supposed to face off in Philadelphia in August, which would have put the bout in Blanchfield’s own back yard. Instead, she’s now in hostile territory, fighting a Canadian at home. Though she has fond enough memories of her 2024 visit, when Blanchfield defeated “Thug” Rose Namajunas.
“I fought in Edmonton before, so I feel like I have some good memories here. Definitely not my home, it’s definitely her home, but I’ll still make the most out of it,” Blanchfield (14-2) told media outlets including Cageside Press during Wednesday’s UFC Edmonton media day.
The landscape of the women’s 125lb division has changed in recent months. The injured Valentina Shevchenko, flyweight’s biggest name, vacated her title, giving way to Natalia Silva vs. Wang Cong. Silva came out victorious earlier this month.
Blanchfield, despite being rebooked with Jasudavicius, revealed on Wednesday that she had campaigned for the title shot against Silva.
“When I heard about the vacant title, I wanted that shot. I did ask for it, because I was already prepping for this fight, so I felt in good shape, I felt confident,” she stated. “It just wasn’t meant for me at the time. They wanted to use Wang Cong.”
“That fight’s happened, I’m happy I’m able to fight so soon after them at least. So it’s kind of still in everybody’s mind, it’s still fresh. It’s another opportunity, another fight to sharpen up my skills.”
Now, she’s banking on a shot at gold should she earn a win in Edmonton this Saturday. Though ex-champ Alexa Grasso also remains in the running, as Blanchfield noted. It could all come down to a big performance.
“I definitely think an impressive finish in this fight will definitely put me ahead. Grasso’s been doing really well too, but she’s had her title shots obviously,” said Blanchfield. “I feel like I’m someone that, I’ve always been there, I’ve been there a couple years now and I haven’t had my opportunity yet. I feel like with a really dominant performance on Saturday, that should put me right in my place.”
Keep in mind, there are few certainties in the UFC, and the promotion hasn’t told her anything about a title shot, Blanchfield later told Cageside Press.
“Nothing’s been said particularly, I feel like just with a really good win, I’ll be in a good position,” she noted. “I’ve been in this position for a while, so I feel like it’s finally getting close to my time. And I just plan on making it that.”
Watch the full UFC Edmonton media day appearance by Erin Blanchfield above.