Erin Blanchfield confident of her stylistic approach against Jessica Andrade despite her experience
Surging women's flyweight contender Erin Blanchfield is scheduled to face former strawweight champion Jessica Andrade at this weekend's UFC Vegas 69 at the Apex facility in Las Vegas. This is a big step-up in competition for Blanchfield, and despite her age and experience, she knows exactly how to get the job done.
An unexpected banger of a main event goes down TOMORROW 💥
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'Cold Blooded' was originally set to face Taila Santos in the upcoming event's headliner. However, after Santos pulled out, Andrade stepped in as the replacement on one-week notice.
During a recent interview with ESPN MMA, Blanchfield seemed confident in her ability to upset the former flyweight title challenger. Although Andrade is the more experienced fighter, the American believes that her Brazilian counterpart has never faced anyone like her stylistically:
"I mean I don't think stylistically she has fought someone like me. I know I can put my whole game together. You know she has had a lot of experience but it kind of gives me a lot to watch and kind of break her down. So I know what I need to do."
Catch Erin Blanchfield's comments below:
Erin Blanchfield is currently on a monstrous seven-fight win streak, topped off with four UFC wins. In her last octagon outing, the 23-year-old secured a first-round submission over English flyweight Molly McCann.
Andrade will be coming to the event fresh off her dominant win over Lauren Murphy at UFC 283. She is currently on a three-fight win streak. With Blanchfield ranked No.10 and Andrade at No.3, a win this weekend could see 'Cold Blooded' contest the title later this year.
Jessica Andrade reveals her tactics for Erin Blanchfield
Jessica Andrade is clearly aware of what she should be wary of while facing Erin Blanchfield on this weekend's Fight Night card. Ahead of the fight, Andrade stated that although 'Cold Blooded' has commendable striking skills, it is on the ground where she is the most dangerous.
Andrade added that she's planning to keep the fight on the feet since it could be dangerous to engage in grappling exchanges with Blanchfield:
"She [Blanchfield] is really evasive on the striking. Not as powerful as far as the striking is concerned, but then you see her when she takes down [her opponents], the ground and pound, and how she actually gets the submissions and, locks people down."
She added:
"This is actually the most important thing for me. Takedown defense and just to actually keeping myself on my toes. We know that whenever we go to the ground, things can get tough with her."
Catch Jessica Andrade's comments below: