Jessica Andrade believes a win at UFC Vegas 69 can ‘propel’ her to a title shot (video)
Jessica Andrade steps in at the last minute to take on a highly-touted prospect in Erin Blanchfield.
Taila Santos and Erin Blanchfield were poised to face off in the main event of UFC Vegas 69 until a last-minute shakeup impacted the show. Now, one week out, Blanchfield is set to take on her toughest opponent to date in the form of Jessica Andrade. This is a big test for Blanchfield and an opportunity for Andrade that could have an impact on two divisions.
“I was on vacation with my mom, then I got a call that Taila’s fight is going to fall. So sign me up and put my name in,” Andrade said via a translator during the UFC Vegas 69 media day. “I was eager to fight and I’ll fight as many times as I can. The camp fits into this fight.”
Andrade has remained a staple in women’s mixed martial arts for years. After debuting as a bantamweight back in 2013, four years later she was fighting Joanna Jedrzejczyk for the women’s strawweight title at UFC 211. Two years after that she defeated Rose Namajunas to win that same championship at UFC 237. She would eventually lose that title, but would quickly re-enter the title picture, dropping a bout to Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 261.
“My will to win is the same, if not better. This can propel me to a title shot against Weili,” Andrade said. “I am going to get a shot out of this, and I think I’m going to get it out of this one.”
Andrade is riding a three-fight win streak heading into the UFC Vegas 69 main event. She defeated Cynthia Calvillo, Amanda Lemos, and Lauren Murphy, winning two of those bouts via stoppage.
Erin Blanchfield is riding a wave of momentum before the main event
Blanchfield is one of the hottest prospects on the UFC roster. She brings a 10-1 record into this fight, with her last defeat coming at the hands of Tracy Cortez back in 2019 at Invicta FC 34. Since joining the UFC in 2021, Blanchfield picked up wins over Sarah Alpar, Miranda Maverick, JJ Aldrich, and Molly McCann.
“She’s an up-and-coming fighter. When we go to the ground, things can get tough with her,” Andrade said. “I’ve had the chance to fight someone with a lower ranking, why not give that chance to someone else? This is going to be a good fight.”
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