UFC Vegas 69 is set to go down this weekend. However, the event has been riddled with injuries. Originally, the card featured Cory Sandhagen vs Marlon Vera in the main event. But the fight fell off and the headline will now see former UFC strawweight champion Jessica Andrade facing off against Erin Blanchfield. Erin was going to face Taila Santos in the event, but will now take on Andrade after Santos’ unavailability.
Erin Blanchfield had a spectacular display against Molly McCann at UFC 281. The Brit has a huge following and it was the perfect opportunity for Erin to make a great statement. She made the most of the high-profile PPV spot and submitted McCann at the 3:37 minute mark of the first round. Blanchfield is currently on a 4-fight win streak in the company.
Jessica Andrade, on the other hand, is also on a 3-fight win streak. After getting knocked out by Valentina Shevchenko, Andrade has built herself back up again. Her first win following the Shevchenko fight came against Cynthia Calvillo at UFC 266. Following that, she submitted Lemos and battered Lauren Murphy at UFC 283. Hence, both Jessica and Erin are in a good spot in their respective careers heading into the fight.
UFC Vegas 69: Jessica Andrade vs Erin Blanchfield, Stats
| Stats | Jessica Andrade | Erin Blanchfield |
|---|---|---|
| Wins | 24 | 10 |
| Losses | 9 | 1 |
| Height | 1.55 m | 1.63 m |
| Division | Women’s Flyweight | Women’s Flyweight |
| Reach | 157.5 cm | 167.6 cm |
| Age | 31 | 23 |
Andrade vs Blanchfield: Fight Breakdown
Erin Blanchfield came into the UFC in September 2021. She defeated Sarah Alpar in her first UFC contest. The 23-year-old then won against Miranda Maverick in the following fight via decision as well. Her first UFC finish came against JJ Aldrich as she finished JJ via a guillotine choke. Her win against Molly McCann was the biggest win of her career yet.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=LmLyrVsLh2c&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE
So far, she only has 1 loss on her record and it came against Tracy Cortez in the fourth fight of her career. Since then, Erin Blanchfield has 7 wins in a row. So it appears that the youngster is starting to find her foothold in the company. However, she has to beat the former UFC champ, Jessica Andrade, to move further in the division. Jessica is the 3rd ranked fighter at flyweight.
So beating Jessica, puts Erin in contention for a title shot against the winner of Valentina Shevchenko and Jessica Andrade. But, as fans know, Andrade is perhaps the most physically imposing fighter in the division. From slamming Rose Namajunas to choking out Amanda Lemos from a standing position, Andrade uses her power better than most. With 6.80 strikes per minute, Andrade is a nightmare for her opponents.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=p-xwWES4M1s&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE
The Brazilian fighter also has a takedown average of 2.72 per fight. But, with 4.00 takedowns per fight, Erin Blanchfield nearly doubles Jessica’s output. Blanchfield also lands 5.79 strikes per minute.
But, as opposed to Andrade’s absorption rate of 5.26 strikes per minute, Blanchfield only absorbs 2.45 strikes at the same time. So Erin is much sounder defensively. However, Jessica has much more experience in main events and she will be the favorite to win this Saturday. However, the height and reach advantage may also play a big role in the fight.
