Former women’s flyweight title challenger Taila Santos and surging prospect Erin Blanchfield threw down at UFC Singapore — with the winner arguably in striking distance of the 125lb title.
That belt would be on the line at Noche UFC next month, where Alexa Grasso was set to run it back against Valentina Shevchenko.
Round 1 began with Santos putting the pressure on Blanchfield with heavy strikes and solid calf kicks. Blanchfield tried to get the fight to the ground but being so fresh in the fight Santos was able to keep it standing for the most part and likely took the round.
Round 2 was the Blanchfield control show. She kept jabbing her way into the clinch and then getting takedowns. Once she got Santos down she tried to land as much damage as possible, but her opponent was able to get back to her feet and nullify most damage. Still control time likely won Blanchfield the round.
Round 3 It may have been the Blanchfield show once again as she refused to back up to Santos’ striking game. Jabs, right hands, then shots to the clinch was the recipe for “Cold-Blooded” as she controlled where the fight went. Santos put up a valiant effort and got the fight back to the feet and the two ended the fight swinging for the fences with Blanchfield landing a bomb that dropped Santos to her knees as the fight ended.
Official Result: Erin Blanchfield def. Taila Santos via Unanimous Decision (29-28×3)
