At long last, Erin Blanchfield was able to make her UFC debut on Saturday.
The Invicta FC vet had originally been scheduled to take on Norma Dumont back in April, stepping into the UFC on short notice, and up a weight class. When Dumont blew weight, however, the fight was scrapped, and Blanchfield instead booked opposite Sarah Alpar at UFC Vegas 37.
Despite having just seven pro fights to her name, Blanchfield has been considered one of the top flyweight prospects over the past year or two. That’s no doubt thanks to putting together wins over current UFC fighters Kay Hansen and Victoria Leonardo. Not to mention, Blanchfield’s lone loss came to another current UFC athlete in Tracy Cortez.
Alpar, for her part, had won on the Contender Series back in 2019, then lost her lone UFC bout to date against Jessica-Rose Clark — a tough debut for any fighter.
Both Alpar and Blanchfield got right after it right away. The straight punches and body kicks and the onslaught of Blanchfield looked to be adding up on Alpar. A lot of pressure came from Blanchfield and she ate a lot of shots coming forward. Blanchfield mixed it up well landing on the outside and in the inside in the clinch. She took Alpar down with two minutes left. Blanchfield transitioned into side control and right into mount. Although she went to half-guard Blanchfield landed good ground and pound and ended the round on top.
Blanchfield came out aggressive in round two throwing two blocked head kicks. Alpar was allowing Blanchfield to dictate the pace and control where the fight goes. After more work on the feet from Blanchfield piecing Alpar she got another easy takedown. Threatening to take the back Blanchfield is stopped by the cage but landed some good punches. Now away from the fence Blanchfield quietly attempted a von flue choke. She ended the round on top in the mount landed constant ground and pound.
Looking impressive in her debut 👀
💢 @Blanchfield_MMA is showing up on @ESPNPlus. #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/OgMJxh3Vex
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
Blanchfield attacked the body of Alpar with kicks early on. More output from Blanchfield on the outside as she was just having her way with Alpar. Another takedown from Blanchfield which was a nicely timed double leg. Blanchfield yet again ended the round in mount landed punches and it was close to being stopped.
👏 Flyweight division…@Blanchfield_MMA has arrived! #UFCVegas37 pic.twitter.com/rl8FROzGGs
— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2021
Erin Blanchfield def. Sarah Alpar by unanimous decision. (30-25, 30-25, 30-26)
