The flyweight division may crown a new No. 1 contender when Taila Santos clashes with Erin Blanchfield at the upcoming UFC event scheduled on Feb. 18.
Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans including Blanchfield’s manager Oren Hodak from KO Reps confirmed the matchup is expected to take place in February with both fighters agreeing to the fight. Blanchfield first revealed the news to Morning Kombat.
Blanchfield signed a four-fight deal with UFC in addition to his Santos fight.
“Erin will show the UFC that she’s the top young prospect,” Hodak stated in a statement to MMA Fighting.
The 23-year-old New Jersey native has long been seen as a future title challenger ever since she joined the UFC roster following a five-fight run with Invicta FC.
Blanchfield currently sports a 10-1 record overall including a perfect 4-0 resume in the UFC. Blanchfield recently won back-to-back submission victories, including one over Molly McCann in UFC 281.
Santos will be making her debut since she lost a close decision in June to UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shchenko.
Shevchenko was given the toughest fight at 125 pound by Santos. Now she will try to win a rematch against Blanchfield, a high-profile prospect in February.
The upcoming card on Feb. 18 has not been finalized yet by the UFC, although numerous bouts have been confirmed for that date.
Guilherme Cru contributed to this report.
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/12/20/23518659/taila-santos-vs-erin-blanchfield-in-the-works-for-ufc-event-on-feb-18?rand=96749
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