Budding star Molly McCann entered Saturday’s UFC 281 off three straight post-fight bonuses, but “Meatball” would have her hands full with dangerous Invicta FC vet Erin Blanchfield.
Blanchfield had won six straight to start the night, including all three of her fights inside the UFC octagon. The women’s flyweight showdown was a key fight for both, one that would push the winner closer to the top 10 of the weight class.
That strong streak continued on Saturday, with Blanchfield taking some of McCann’s shine when all was said and done.
The fight began with a few leg kicks from both women. “Meatball” caught a body kick attempt early on and attempted a big overhand right. Within one minute of the fight, Blanchfield got the fight exactly where she wanted it, on the mat. A quick transition to side control saw her then transition to the crucifix, reigning down some heavy ground-and-pound. Blanchfield maintained complete and utter control while pummeling McCann. The advantage the 23-year-old held became completely clear very early in the fight. Blanchfield snatched the arm of McCann and attempted a viscous kimura. The toughness McCann exemplifies in every outing was clear in this one too, and she somehow broke out of the attempt.
She really just did that at 23 years old 😳 #UFC281 pic.twitter.com/A5qilD69YW
— UFC (@ufc) November 13, 2022
But she was unable to clear the danger completely. Blanchfield snatched the arm again, and this time, made it pay making McCann tap.
“Cold-Blooded” Blanchfield stays undefeated in her short UFC tenure moving to 4-0, with this truly being her coming out party.
Official Result: Erin Blanchfield def. Molly McCann by submission (Kimura), Round 1, 3:37
