Erin Blanchfield doesn't mind taking another fight before facing Valentina Shevchenko
Erin Blanchfield has made it clear that she would like to face Valentina Shevchenko. Despite her desire to receive a title opportunity, the No.10-ranked women's flyweight shared that she is content with taking another fight if the promotion doesn't feel that she is ready.
Speaking at the UFC Fight Night 219 post-fight press conference, Erin Blanchfield, who will likely be making a big jump in the rankings following her main event victory, stated:
"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.
Valentina Shevchenko will face Alexa Grasso in the co-main event of UFC 285 as she looks to defend her UFC women's flyweight title for the eighth time. If 'Bullet' is able to emerge victorious, Blanchfield or No.1-ranked women's flyweight Manon Fiorot will likely be next up for a title opportunity as they are the only top-tier fighters in the division that she has not defeated in her dominant reign.
Despite her dominance since joining the UFC, it appears that Blanchfield is content with being overlooked for a title opportunity.
Watch Erin Blanchfield's comments on waiting for a title shot below (starting at the 24:57 mark):
Erin Blanchfield prefers to face Valentina Shevchenko for the title
Following her dominant UFC Fight Night 219 performance, Erin Blanchfield was asked if she would rather face Valentina Shevchenko or Alexa Grasso for the title. 'Cold Blooded' responded:
"I would definitely prefer Shevchenko. I think she beats [Alexa] Grasso. I think Grasso's a very tough fighter, but I want to be the one to take the title from [Shevchenko]."
It should come as no surprise that Blanchfield wants to be the fighter that ends Shevchenko's dominant reign atop the UFC women's flyweight division. While Nicco Montano was the first woman to hold the UFC women's flyweight title, she was stripped of the belt before she had the opportunity to defend it. 'Bullet' claimed the vacant title in 2018 and has racked up seven title defenses since.
Shevchenko has not lost a fight since the UFC created the women's flyweight division. Her last loss came against Amanda Nunes when the two faced off for the women's bantamweight title at UFC 215 in 2017. There have been rumors that the women's flyweight champion could look to face Nunes in pursuit of double champ status after facing Grasso at UFC 285.
Watch Erin Blanchfield's comments on facing Valentina Shevchenko below (starting at the 28:40 mark):