Erin Blanchfield likens Valentina Shevchenko to "the Conor McGregor's and Amanda Nunes'" of the sport
Erin Blanchfield wants to be the one to dethrone Valentina Shevchenko as the UFC women's flyweight champion and is confident of being well-prepared for the task.
The 23-year-old American, who has firmly inserted herself into the title challenger conversation after defeating Jessica Andrade at UFC Vegas 69, claims to have keenly observed Shevchenko's career since her high school days.
The No.3-ranked women's flyweight contender proved her mettle as a solid title challenger after she needed less than two rounds to secure a rear-naked choke submission to put away the ever-dangerous 'Bate Estaca' last weekend.
After such a dominant performance against one of the best fighters in the division, 'Cold Blooded' wants to claim the women's flyweight strap from the long-reigning 'Bullet' in her fight.
In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Erin Blanchfield discussed how significant it would be to beat Valentina Shevchenko and why she's confident of winning:
"I think a matchup against Valentina and beating her is huge for my career, It’s a pretty special moment, like the Conor McGregor's and Amanda Nunes', who when they lose, everybody freaks out... I feel like I’ve been breaking her down for years... Since I was in high school. We’ll have a good game plan and that belt is going to be mine.”
"I've been watching her since I was in high school": Erin Blanchfield has done her homework on Valentina Shevchenko 📚👩🎓
@mma_kings' interview: bit.ly/3YTO9Wq https://t.co/0booMTuysa
Erin Blanchfield next fight: 'Cold Blooded' ready to fight once again before potential title shot against Valentina Shevchenko
Despite her eagerness, Erin Blanchfield will not complain if she does not get an opportunity to fight Valentina Shevchenko for the title next. While 'Cold Blooded' has made her desire to face Valentina Shevchenko clear, she will not turn down any opponents in the meantime.
'Bullet' faces Alexa Grasso on March 4 as she looks to defend her UFC women's flyweight title for the eighth time. If her title defense is successful, No.3-ranked flyweight Blanchfield or No.1-ranked flyweight Manon Fiorot will most likely be called up to challenge the seemingly unstoppable Shevchenko for her flyweight strap.
Erin Blanchfield discussed her next fight in her post-fight press conference after UFC Vegas 69. While the 23-year-old American hoped she would be the one to defeat Shevchenko, she is content with taking another fight if the promotion decides so:
"I’m definitely okay with fighting again. 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."
Watch the full presser below: