Erin Blanchfield

Angelo picks Erin Blanchfield despite considering Tracy Cortez's wrestling. He values Blanchfield's relentless pressure and scrambling ability. He notes Cortez is often at events and may not be training enough. He suggests over 2.5 rounds and a plus 3.5 bet on Cortez as possibilities.

Big Brady leans Erin Blanchfield, believing her grappling advantage will be decisive. He notes Tracy Cortez has only 62% takedown defense and has been taken down multiple times by Rose Namajunas and others. Brady thinks Blanchfield's top control and submission skills are superior once the fight hits the ground, and predicts a decision win. He acknowledges the line is wide and a case can be made for Cortez.

Cody picks Blanchfield, noting that she has improved significantly since their first fight six years ago, especially her striking. He points out that Cortez has not evolved and has been inactive. Cody believes Blanchfield's wrestling and pressure will be too much, and she will win by decision. He also mentions that Blanchfield is younger and more motivated.

Connor also leans toward Cortez, agreeing with Zane. He notes that Cortez is an inch taller than Blanchfield, which is surprising, and that Blanchfield's aggressive style may lead to her giving things away. He thinks Cortez can win out scrambles and that Blanchfield's one-size-fits-all approach may not work.

Daniel sees Blanchfield as the more evolved fighter since their first fight, with relentless pressure and a never-quit attitude. He notes that Cortez struggles when she is the nail, while Blanchfield has shown she can overcome adversity. He expects Blanchfield to avenge her loss and continue her rise.

Lucrative James picks Erin Blanchfield to win, citing her superior grappling and submission skills. He believes Cortez will engage in wrestling, which plays into Blanchfield's strengths, as she is a better MMA grappler and dangerous from top position. He notes Blanchfield's ability to submit opponents from any position, as seen in her previous win over Cortez. He expects Blanchfield to win via submission or dominant decision.

Blanchfield lands bigger shots on the feet and eventually lands takedowns for control and BJJ superiority. Cortez may be the better wrestler on paper, but Blanchfield gets her hand raised on the scorecards.

Paul agrees with Cody, emphasizing that Blanchfield's striking has improved the most. He notes that Cortez's takedown defense is not great and that Blanchfield will likely control the fight. Paul also mentions that Blanchfield has a home-field advantage and that the fight will likely go to decision. He likes the over 2.5 rounds prop.

The Guru picks Erin Blanchfield to win by 29-28 decision. He believes Blanchfield's grappling and physicality will be decisive, though she may lose the first round. He criticizes Cortez's focus on appearance (fake eyelashes) and notes Blanchfield's win over Rose Namajunas as a better benchmark. Blanchfield should mix in takedowns and control later rounds.

Angelo picks Rose Namajunas confidently, calling her an all-time great and a better striker than Erin Blanchfield. He notes Blanchfield's inability to get takedowns was exposed against Manon Fiorot, and without that, she is stuck in a striking match with a superior striker. He thinks five rounds help Rose, as she can afford to lose a round if taken down. He placed a half unit bet on Rose at plus 100 (even money).

Big Brady picks Rose Namajunas to win by decision. He questions Erin Blanchfield's wrestling, noting her low takedown accuracy (33%) and failure to take down opponents like Fiorot and Santos. He believes on the feet, Rose is clearly superior, and even if taken down, Rose's scrambling is good. Brady likes the plus money and thinks the big cage favors Rose.

Cody picks Rose Namajunas as an underdog, arguing that Blanchfield's takedown struggles against Manon Fiorot (0 for 3) and Taila Santos (0 for 14) show she can't reliably take down elite grapplers. He believes Rose's striking, footwork, and takedown defense will keep the fight standing, where she has the advantage. He also notes Rose's experience in five-round fights and her ability to mix in takedowns herself.

Daniel Vreeland picks Erin Blanchfield to win, arguing that the line is influenced by recency bias from Blanchfield's loss to Manon Fiorot. He points out that Rose Namajunas has poor takedown defense (under 60%) compared to Fiorot's 93%, and that Blanchfield's grappling is a different level—she can take the back and submit opponents. Vreeland expects Blanchfield to pressure Namajunas, get takedowns, and potentially finish via ground-and-pound or submission.

Lucrative James picks Erin Blanchfield to win inside the distance, emphasizing her grappling advantage. He notes Rose has been taken down in recent fights and that Blanchfield's wrestling will be decisive. He believes Rose has lost some athleticism and that Blanchfield can finish via submission, likely a rear-naked choke.

Namajunas has shown tremendous defensive grappling improvements, and that will get her a victory over Blanchfield. She will win at least three of the five rounds by out-pointing and out-damaging Blanchfield, winning on the scorecards and positioning herself for a title shot.

Paul sides with Rose but is less confident, expecting a close split decision. He notes that Blanchfield's path to victory is through takedowns, but Rose has shown improved takedown defense and can win on the feet. He mentions the common opponent Jessica Andrade, where Rose won by decision and Blanchfield by submission, but sees the fight as competitive. He plans to bet the split decision prop rather than the moneyline.

Angelo picks Manon Fiorot but is not very confident. He cites Fiorot's striking power and 91% takedown defense, contrasting with Blanchfield's poor takedown attempts in her last fight. He worries that Blanchfield's toughness and forward pressure could trouble Fiorot. He notes underdogs have won 66% of main events in 2024.

Big Brady picks Manon Fiorot to win by decision, taking the underdog. He sees it as a close fight that likely goes the distance. He favors Fiorot in the striking early, but worries about Blanchfield's pressure and grappling later. He notes Blanchfield's takedown accuracy is low and Fiorot's takedown defense is elite. Brady expects a split decision where Fiorot does better work early.

Cody sees Fiorot as a live underdog due to her takedown defense and counter-striking. He notes Blanchfield's recent struggles with takedowns (0 for 14 against Santos) and believes Fiorot can keep the fight standing and outpoint her. However, he admits it's more of a price play and not a high-confidence pick.

Daniel Vreeland picks Manon Fiorot at plus money, stating he bet her at +170. He believes Fiorot is very disciplined, won't get carried away, and can frustrate Blanchfield by staying on the feet and using her movement. He notes that Fiorot has survived takedowns before (e.g., against Jennifer Maia) and that Blanchfield's wrestling isn't elite. He acknowledges Blanchfield's submission threat but thinks Fiorot can avoid being finished and win a decision.

James sees this as a 50/50 fight due to the unknowns of whether Blanchfield can get takedowns against Andrade. He notes Blanchfield's grappling is elite but her striking defense is poor, while Andrade has one-punch power and strong clinch work. He leans Blanchfield because of her youth and potential to get takedowns in later rounds, but is not confident. He mentions Blanchfield at +150 offers value.

Fiorot's takedown defense and movement are key; she has only been controlled for 1:40 in 77 minutes of UFC cage time. Blanchfield's takedown success has plummeted (2 of 22 in last 4 fights), and she gets hit often. Fiorot's lateral movement and ability to pivot off Blanchfield's entries should allow her to land straight shots and avoid prolonged grappling. The fight resembles Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman where the wrestler fails on takedowns and eats damage. Fiorot by decision is the most likely outcome, though the last two rounds could be close.

Paul agrees with Cody that Fiorot is a live underdog, citing Blanchfield's takedown struggles and Fiorot's technical striking. He mentions the close fight with Rose Namajunas as a reference but admits he doesn't feel great about it, calling it a 'dog or pass' situation.

Angelo acknowledges Blanchfield's grappling and improved striking, but leans toward Santos because of her power, technical striking, and BJJ. He questions whether Blanchfield can get takedowns against Santos, and if she can't, Santos will light her up. He notes that Blanchfield is a surprising 2-to-1 favorite and thinks the fight should be closer to even money.

Big Brady is torn on this fight, acknowledging both fighters are championship caliber. He favors Blanchfield due to her youth, activity, and improvements, especially in striking. He questions Santos's mental toughness, citing her excuses after the Valentina fight and pulling out of this fight earlier. He expects a close fight and picks Blanchfield by decision, but with low confidence.

Cody picks Blanchfield due to her youth, improving skills, and superior cardio. He believes her wrestling and pressure will wear down Santos, who he sees as a step down from the elite. Cody expects a close decision or late submission.

Daniel picks Erin Blanchfield, praising her mean streak and relentless pressure. He notes that Santos is more physical and a better striker, but Blanchfield's grappling and cardio will take over in later rounds. He mentions that Blanchfield is a lifelong black belt and has a strong chin. He is confident she wins, though he thinks the price is accurate and not a value bet.

James picks Erin Blanchfield, citing her continuous improvement, will to win, and superior grappling chain. He believes she can get takedowns on Santos and dominate on the mat, potentially submitting her. He acknowledges Santos' size and power but thinks Blanchfield's pace and cardio will be decisive. He also notes Santos' inactivity and the emotional letdown from the title loss.

The host acknowledges Taila Santos' strength and performance against Valentina Shevchenko, but believes Blanchfield's technical grappling and top control will be the difference. He notes Blanchfield's dominant win over Jessica Andrade and her ability to pass guard and maintain top position. The host expects a grueling fight but picks Blanchfield by decision.

Paul sides with Blanchfield, noting her grappling advantage and potential to get takedowns. He acknowledges Santos' close fight with Shevchenko but thinks Blanchfield's youth and improvement give her the edge. Paul is not fully confident but leans Blanchfield.

Angelo is very confident in Andrade, even on short notice. He highlights Andrade's technical improvement in her last fight against Lauren Murphy, where she showed precision rather than just bullying. He believes Andrade's BJJ black belt and experience against top competition will neutralize Blanchfield's grappling. Angelo notes the line moved from -190 to -170 and he placed a two-unit bet at -150. He dismisses comparisons to Valentina Shevchenko's takedowns, noting Shevchenko uses judo while Blanchfield uses wrestling, which Andrade can defend.

Big Brady thinks this is too soon for Blanchfield, who has only beaten lower-level competition like Molly McCann. He notes that Andrade only gets dominated by elite grapplers like Valentina Shevchenko, and Blanchfield is not on that level yet. He worries about Blanchfield's takedown success, as she was 0-for-4 against JJ Aldrich. He predicts Andrade will win by knockout, likely in the second round, as Blanchfield has nothing for her on the feet.

Cody initially liked Blanchfield at plus money due to Andrade taking the fight on short notice and Blanchfield's suffocating style, but as the line tightened he shifted to Andrade. He notes Andrade is a proven commodity with better striking and five-round experience, and that she wouldn't take a fight she couldn't win. However, he acknowledges Blanchfield's grappling threat and says he wants to watch weigh-ins before betting.

Connor agrees with Zane, emphasizing that Andrade is a huge step up for Blanchfield. He notes that Blanchfield's striking is very undeveloped, especially her kicks, and that Andrade's power will be a shock. He also points out that Blanchfield struggled with Aldrich's counter striking and maneuvering, and Andrade is a much more physical and powerful version of that. Connor sees the fight as too much too soon for Blanchfield.

Jacob is a self-proclaimed Blanchfield hater and picks Andrade confidently. He criticizes Blanchfield's lack of a plan B when things go wrong, citing her fight against JJ Aldrich where she was dominated until a Hail Mary guillotine. Jacob believes Andrade is a better striker and will stuff takedowns, leading to Blanchfield being embarrassed. He compares it to Whittaker vs Vettori and Emmett vs Rodriguez, where one-dimensional wrestlers were exposed. He is not worried about short notice because Andrade wouldn't take the fight if she wasn't ready.

Andrade's relentless pressure, power, and strength will be too much for Blanchfield, who struggled with takedowns against JJ Aldrich and may not be ready for this step up. Andrade's durability and takedown defense should keep her safe, and she will eventually land a knockout, likely in the third or fourth round.

Paul likes Andrade, citing her recent performance against Lauren Murphy where she looked great and nearly finished her. He questions the comparison to Valentina Shevchenko's takedowns, noting that outside of Shevchenko, no one has easily taken Andrade down. He struggles to get behind Blanchfield at the current price, calling it a big step up in competition. He says if the line keeps moving toward Blanchfield, he'll be forced to jump on Andrade.

The MMA Guru picks Jéssica Andrade, stating she hits different and is a step above other flyweights except Shevchenko. He believes Andrade's power will break Blanchfield's nose early, forcing panic takedowns. He recalls Blanchfield's fight with JJ Aldridge where she struggled before getting a guillotine, and thinks Andrade will be too much. He notes Andrade is a 2-to-1 favorite and calls those odds good, predicting a first-round TKO.

Angelo thinks Blanchfield is the more talented fighter with a higher ceiling, but he is concerned about her struggles in her last fight against JJ Aldrich. He notes that McCann is gritty, experienced, and could break a young prospect. He picks Blanchfield to win via takedowns and control, but does not expect a submission. He suggests the bet might be on McCann inside the distance (decision no action) because McCann could avoid takedowns and win by stoppage, while a decision loss would refund the bet.

Big Brady picks Erin Blanchfield to win by submission, calling it a terrible matchup for Molly McCann. He notes McCann's 46% takedown defense and how she was ragdolled by Laura Procopio. He compares Blanchfield's dominance over Miranda Maverick (7 takedowns) to that fight. He believes Blanchfield will take McCann down repeatedly and likely finish her, as McCann has been submitted before (by Gillian Robertson). He questions why McCann took the fight.

Cody leans towards McCann strictly because of the plus money. He notes that Blanchfield struggled to get takedowns against JJ Aldrich and was taken down herself, which raises questions. He thinks if Blanchfield can't get the fight to the mat, McCann's striking could make it competitive. However, he acknowledges McCann's takedown defense is poor and Blanchfield is a strong wrestler, so he is not confident.

Connor picks Blanchfield, citing McCann's inability to solve problems in fights and her tendency to get taken down easily. He notes that McCann's recent wins were against limited opponents, and that Blanchfield is a good opportunist who can take advantage of McCann's overaggression. Connor also mentions that McCann's best work is on the back foot, but she often presses forward and walks into danger.

Daniel Levi picks Erin Blanchfield, citing her grappling advantage and ability to take McCann down and control her. He notes that McCann struggles to get back up when taken down, and Blanchfield is a black belt. However, he is not interested in betting at -390 because he wants guarantees and worries that Blanchfield might stand and trade, giving McCann a chance. He respects McCann's heart and spirit but believes Blanchfield's path to victory is through grappling.

The host believes Blanchfield's superior grappling and trips will eventually get the fight to the ground, where she can submit McCann. He notes McCann's improved striking and confidence could make it competitive on the feet, but Blanchfield's grappling is the difference. He likes the under 2.5 rounds at +180 for finishing potential. He is not betting the moneyline at -390.

Paul picks Blanchfield by decision, highlighting her relentless pressure and grappling. He notes that McCann has poor takedown defense (47%) and has been taken down 12 times in her two losses. Paul believes Blanchfield will take McCann down and control her on the mat, and that McCann's only chance is a spinning elbow knockout. He thinks Blanchfield's wrestling and top control will secure a decision win.

The MMA Guru picks Erin Blanchfield, highlighting her dominant grappling win over Miranda Maverick, who has since ragdolled others. He notes McCann's history of being outgrappled and believes the threat of takedowns will diminish McCann's striking. He predicts a 29-28 decision, with McCann possibly doing decent in the third round but lacking power to finish.

Angelo sees Erin Blanchfield as a nasty grappler with dominant wrestling, and believes her path to victory is through grappling. He notes that JJ Aldrich is a decision machine with decent striking but a negative striking differential, and that the experience gap is not wide enough to matter. He expects Blanchfield to dominate with heavy grappling and may place a moneyline bet depending on the line movement.

Big Brady picks Erin Blanchfield to win by decision. He notes that Blanchfield is a huge favorite at -600 but thinks the line is too high, though he still sees her as one of the safer picks on the card. He expects Blanchfield to take Aldrich down repeatedly and control the fight on the mat, grinding out a dominant decision. He acknowledges Aldrich has good takedown defense but believes Blanchfield's relentless wrestling will be too much.

Cody picks Blanchfield, calling her a real prospect. He notes her wrestling and pressure, and thinks Aldrich's takedown defense has not been tested by a wrestler of Blanchfield's caliber. He expects Blanchfield to win by decision.

Daniel Levi picks Erin Blanchfield, praising her jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and youth. He acknowledges JJ Aldrich's experience but believes Blanchfield's skills will prevail. He calls it a 'dog or pass' situation due to the steep price, but picks Blanchfield to win, likely by decision.

Paul picks Blanchfield and has already bet Blanchfield by decision at -138. He notes Blanchfield's relentless grappling and pressure, and Aldrich's durability. He thinks Blanchfield will secure takedowns and grind out a decision.

Daniel Levi picks Erin Blanchfield, citing her aggression, volume, and black belt in jiu-jitsu. He notes that he took Blanchfield at +135 earlier in the week, seeing value. Levi believes the striking can be even, with Blanchfield having more volume and Maverick more power. On the mat, Blanchfield has a black belt vs Maverick's brown belt. He acknowledges Blanchfield is smaller but likes her toughness and competition outside the UFC. He expects a close decision and likes the dog odds.

Angelo is confident in Erin Blanchfield because she is a nasty grappler and Sarah Alpar, though a good wrestler, gets sloppy after takedowns and gives up positions. He expects Blanchfield to capitalize on scrambles and likely get a submission. He notes that if Alpar were more controlled on top, it would be different, but she isn't.

Big Brady is very confident in Erin Blanchfield, despite her being a big favorite in her UFC debut. He praises her well-rounded skills, noting her striking and grappling are both excellent. He believes she is levels above Alpar, who looked terrible in her UFC debut. He predicts Blanchfield will win inside the distance, either by TKO or submission.

Cody picks Blanchfield, highlighting her superior grappling and striking. He notes that Alpar was dominated by Jessica-Rose Clark and has poor takedown defense. Cody believes Blanchfield is a well-rounded prospect who will control the fight.

Daniel Levi picks Erin Blanchfield decisively. He notes Blanchfield is a solid prospect who has dominated with grappling and knocked opponents out with head kicks. He mentions her controversial loss to Tracy Cortez as valuable experience. He criticizes Alpar's skills, calling her tough but lacking athletic tools, and expects Blanchfield to win clearly.

Preet is confident Blanchfield will win but does not want to lay -400. He thinks Alpar's only strength is wrestling, but Blanchfield is a good grappler herself and has improved striking. He expects Blanchfield to stuff takedowns and hurt Alpar on the feet, but prefers the decision prop at +120 because he is not sure Blanchfield finishes at a high clip.

Paul has Blanchfield in his parlay, noting her youth and experience against high-level competition. He believes Alpar is tough but outmatched. Paul considered Blanchfield inside the distance but decided the price wasn't worth it.