UFC Edmonton: Erin Blanchfield vs. Rose Namajunas: Live round-by-round updates
A woman flyweight bout between Erin Blanchfield and Rose Namajunas will serve as the co-main event at UFC Edmonton, later this evening (Nov. 2) at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Canada.
Blanchfield (12-2) is considered by many as one of the best the women's 125-pound division has to offer. Her momentum, however, was abruptly halted earlier this year, when her nine-fight win streak ended following a unanimous decision loss to Manon Fiorot, derailing her title aspirations.
A win this weekend against a former champion like Namajunas might just be the jolt she needs to get herself back in the title mix.
Namajunas (13-6) on the other hand is one of the greatest strawweight champions in UFC history. She has gone 2-1 since moving up to flyweight, with her only loss coming also coming against Fiorot. However, a win against the No.3-ranked Blanchfield should be enough to get her into the title discussion.
Despite a decorated career, 'Thug' will head into UFC Edmonton as a +120 underdog, with Blanchfield as a -142 favorite.
The main card of the event is now underway. Stick with Sportskeeda for live coverage and play-by-play updates from the event.
Check out the final face-off between Erin Blanchfield and Rose Namajunas below:
UFC Edmonton: Erin Blanchfield vs. Rose Namajunas
Round 1
Namajunas pushes the pace. She is trying to cut the cage on Blanchfield and force her into a corner. A crisp jab lands for 'Thug'. Namajunas misses with a powerful left hand.
Namajunas stings her opponent with a jab once more as Blanchfield tries to close the distance. 'Cold Blooded' is losing the striking match, and might need to level change to sway the contest in her favor.
A good combination lands for 'Thug'. Blanchfiel is having a hard time striking with the former strawweight champion as she is getting outworked each time the pair engages.
Namajunas is elusive with her footwork effortlessly, jumping in and out of range as she peppers up her opponent with quick punches.
Our score: 10-9 Namajunas.
Round 2
The jab is money for Namajunas as she lands it almost every time. Blanchfield contest with a flurry on the inside. 'Cold Blooded' forces a cliche and forces 'Thug' onto the cage.
Namajunas reverses position with a hit throw and slams Blanchfield to the ground. 'Cold Blooded' however quickly finds her back to the feet. 'Thug' is displaying a master class, fighting at range peppering her opponent with quick one-twos.
A powerful right-hand lands for Namajunas as Blanchfield attempts a level change. 'Cold Blooded' commits to a flurry and forces another clinch, but once again fails to complete the takedown.
Our score: 10-9.
Round 3
'Thug' seems like she is in a flow state, effortlessly using her superior footwork to outwork her opponent on the outside. Blanchfield forces the action and pressures her opponent with a flurry.
A desperate Namajunas attempts a clinch and Blanchfield uses it to turn it into a takedown in her favor. 'Cold Blooded' now has top control and well over two and a half minutes to work on a submission.
Namajunas seems to be unable to get out of position. 'Cold Blooded'' is peppering up her opponent with short punches. The prolonged control time is sure to add to Blanchfield's confidence as the fight progresses.
Our score: 10-9 Blanchfield.
Round 4
Blanchfield comes out aggressively, backing up Namajunas. 'Thug's' striking is now less crisp than it was in the earlier rounds. Namajunas is trying to force the fight in the center of the cage, sensing that backing up to the cage wall presents the threat of being taken down.
'Cold Blooded' forces a cliche and pushes 'Thug' back to the fence. Rose however circles out but eats a flurry from Blanchfield during the retreat. Namajunas comes with a quick two-punch combination. She follows it up with a left hook.
Blanchfield rushes in for a takedown, but 'Thug' succeeds in defending it. 'Cold Blooded' lands a combination on her opponent to close the round.
Our score: 10-9 Blanchfield.
Round 5
A frantic exchange ensues at the start of the final round. Namajunas feels uncomfortable and tries to level change without success. Moments later, Blachfield sprawls and forces a takedown.
'Cold Blooded' now weighs heavy on top of her opponent. She now has side control and is trying to complete a crucifix. She gets her opponent's left arm pinned down.
'Thug' seems a bit winded as she tries to get out of position. Blanchfield swings to her opponent's back. Namajunas makes her way back to her feet with her opponent still on her back.
'Cold Blooded' shifts to a single leg and now has her opponent tied up to the cage wall. A big round for Blanchfield.
Our score: 10-9 Blanchfield.
Stay tuned for the official decision.
Official decision: Erin Blanchfield def. Rose Namajunas via unanimous decision. [48-47, 48-47, 48-47]