Erin Blanchfield, the talented MMA fighter hailing from Elmwood Park, New Jersey, has taken the mixed martial arts world by storm. With a passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that started at the tender age of seven, Blanchfield quickly became a force to be reckoned with in the sport. Under the guidance of Karel Pravec, she earned her black belt and made her professional MMA debut at just 18 years old.
Blanchfield’s record speaks for itself, boasting an impressive 12 wins and only 1 loss. Currently competing in the Flyweight division of the prestigious Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), she holds the #2 spot in the women’s flyweight rankings and #5 in the women’s pound-for-pound rankings.
Early Career and Invicta Fighting Championships
Erin Blanchfield’s journey in the world of mixed martial arts began with a promising early career that showcased her exceptional skills and determination. After her successful start fighting under various championships, Blanchfield signed with Invicta Fighting Championships, a renowned all-female MMA promotion.
Blanchfield’s first fight under Invicta took place on March 17, 2018, at Invicta FC 30. She faced the tough opponent Brittney Cloudy and won the fight by split decision, demonstrating her ability to adapt and emerge victorious in challenging matchups.
Continuing her trajectory, Blanchfield secured another victory in her next Invicta fight against Kay Hansen. Their exciting matchup ended with Blanchfield winning by majority decision, showcasing her technical skills and strategic prowess inside the cage.
Although Blanchfield faced a setback with a loss to Tracy Cortez at Invicta FC 34, she quickly rebounded with a submission victory over Gabriella Gulfin at Cage Fury Fighting Championships 76. Returning to Invicta, Blanchfield showcased her relentless fighting spirit and secured a technical knockout victory over Victoria Leonardo at Invicta FC 39.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Debut and Recent Fights
Erin Blanchfield’s highly anticipated UFC debut was met with excitement and anticipation. Originally scheduled to take place on April 10, 2021, against Norma Dumont, the fight was unfortunately canceled after Dumont missed weight. However, Blanchfield’s resilience shone through as she eventually made her UFC debut on September 18, 2021, at UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Spann.
In her debut, Blanchfield faced Sarah Alpar and showcased her skills and determination. After three thrilling rounds, she emerged victorious, securing a unanimous decision win. This win solidified her place in the UFC and marked the beginning of an impressive journey in the organization.
Notable Achievements and Records
Erin Blanchfield has left an indelible mark in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the world of MMA with her notable achievements and impressive records. In the Flyweight division of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Blanchfield showcased her exceptional skills by winning the Eddie Bravo Invitational championship. Her technical mastery and dedication to the sport were evident as she emerged victorious in this prestigious competition.
“Erin Blanchfield’s submission victory over Jéssica Andrade at UFC Fight Night: Andrade vs. Blanchfield was a display of her exceptional skill and determination,” said UFC President Dana White. “Her performance was truly outstanding, and she rightfully earned the Performance of the Night bonus.”
Blanchfield’s dominance in the Octagon is further highlighted by her impressive records. During her fight against Miranda Maverick at UFC 269, she set a new women’s flyweight single-fight takedown record with a total of eight takedowns. This record is a testament to her exceptional grappling abilities and tactical prowess inside the cage.
Notable Achievements and Records:
- Winner of the Eddie Bravo Invitational championship in the Flyweight division of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Received the Performance of the Night bonus for her submission victory over Jéssica Andrade at UFC Fight Night: Andrade vs. Blanchfield
- Holds the women’s flyweight single-fight takedown record with eight takedowns in her fight against Miranda Maverick at UFC 269
Personal Life and Future Aspirations
Erin Blanchfield leads a multifaceted life outside of the MMA octagon. Currently, she is pursuing her studies in Television and Digital Media with a concentration in sports media at Montclair State University. Her passion for the intricate world of media has inspired her to aspire towards a career as a commentator once her fighting journey comes to a close. With her in-depth knowledge of the sport and her articulate communication skills, Blanchfield aims to provide insightful analysis and commentary to MMA enthusiasts.
Blanchfield’s dedication to her craft and pursuit of excellence extends beyond her academic and professional aspirations. Coming from a fighting family, her brother Brendan is also actively involved in MMA. This shared passion for the sport has allowed them to support and motivate each other throughout their respective careers. Blanchfield’s calm demeanor and unwavering focus during fights have earned her the nickname “Cold Blooded,” showcasing her ability to stay composed and strategic during intense moments in the octagon.
