Erin Blanchfield shocks with huge submission of former champ Jessica Andrade (Video)
By Adam Stocker
UFC Vegas 69: Blanchfield defeated Jessica Andrade.
Erin Blanchfield defeated Jessica Andrade via submission (rear-naked choke), Round 2 – 1:37 at UFC Vegas 69 on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, live from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, NV.
“She hits really hard but I got that clinch and took it,” Blanchfield said after the fight. “I knew she was a good striker, I knew I was going to have to deal with that. I don’t want to get hit that much next time. Give me the winner of (Valentina) Shevchenko and (Alexa) Grasso next. I’m going to be UFC champion.”
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Andrade opened with a pair of kicks and a powerful strike. The two women traded strikes in the middle. Blanchfield found success with her striking before changing levels and going for her first takedown. Andrade successfully defended and moved back to the middle. The two women continued to trade. Andrade defended a second takedown attempt. Blanchfield landed a big right. Andrade also landed her share of strikes but Blanchfield found success countering. Blanchfield buckled the knees of Andrade, using her reach advantage. Andrade landed a big combination that backed up Blanchfield. The first round ended with Andrade defending another takedown attempt.
The two women continued to trade punches to start the second round. Andrade landed an overhand right but Blanchfield landed her first takedown of the fight with an inside trip. Blanchfield immediately got side control. Andrade attempted to get back up to her feet but gave up her back. Instantly, Blanchfield locked in a rear-naked choke and forced Andrade to tap out.
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Blanchfield was initially scheduled to fight Talia Santos in the main event. However, a week before the fight, Santos was forced to pull out. Andrade accepted the fight on one week’s notice. Andrade, who entered the fight as the third-ranked flyweight, won her previous three fights. Blanchfield entered the fight as one of the top prospects among women’s UFC fighters. The 23-year-old won her first four fights in the UFC to climb to 10th in the flyweight division.
With her impressive victory over Andrade, Blachfield will likely get her wish and face the winner of Shevchenko and Grasso at UFC 285 on March 4. Blanchfield improved to 11-1 with her third straight submission victory.
Andrade will continue to be a fixture in both the strawweight and flyweight divisions. Andrade is ranked in both divisions and a win streak in either division could earn her another title shot.
Next. UFC Vegas 69: Live results and highlights. dark