Erin Blanchfield aims for a decisive win over Maycee Barber at UFC Vegas 107 to boost her title contention chances, but potential challenges from Zhang Weili moving to flyweight and Natalia Silva‘s impressive record could complicate her path to facing champion Valentina Shevchenko.
Erin Blanchfield is eyeing a statement win over Maycee Barber at UFC Vegas 107, hoping it pushes her into title contention. However, the path to champion Valentina Shevchenko might get crowded if strawweight queen Zhang Weili decides to move up to 125 pounds.
After Shevchenko’s unanimous decision over Manon Fiorot at UFC 315, Zhang congratulated her and hinted at a second title pursuit, saying, “everything has lined up perfectly, it’s destiny.” The prospect of Shevchenko vs. Zhang could be the biggest women’s fight in the UFC right now, and Blanchfield isn’t surprised by this possibility.
“I know that if fighters move up a weight class, they often have to vacate their current belt,” Blanchfield told MMA Fighting. “I’m not sure Zhang wants to do that. She might want to fight Valentina, but staying at 125 could be a different story.”
Blanchfield admits, “It’d be tough for me. If Zhang moves up, I plan on winning my fight and maybe facing someone like Natalia Silva before getting a title shot. No matter how it plays out, it feels like it’s going to happen soon.”
Zhang has been dominant at 115 pounds, but Blanchfield doubts she’ll find the same success at flyweight. She recalls former champion Rose Namajunas moving up to 125, ending with a 2-2 record. Weight classes exist for a reason.
“I think Weili would be similar to Rose,” Blanchfield said. “She could win some fights at flyweight, but I don’t see her becoming a champ or even top five at 125.”
Blanchfield’s opinion might not sit well with Zhang’s supporters, but she stands by her bold predictions. Success at strawweight doesn’t guarantee wins in a bigger weight class.
“When you dominate a weight class, you might think you can do it at any weight,” Blanchfield noted. “But it’s easy to underestimate the competition.”
Aside from Zhang, Blanchfield is aware of Natalia Silva, who’s 7-0 in the UFC with a recent win over former champion Alexa Grasso. Blanchfield respects Silva’s style, acknowledging her ability to hit and run effectively.
“I knew Silva would fight like that against Grasso,” Blanchfield said. “Alexa was chasing too much, and it cost her.”
Zhang or Silva getting the next title shot doesn’t concern Blanchfield until she faces Barber at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas. A knockout or submission win over Barber would speak volumes about her title candidacy.
“If I finish Maycee, that puts me ahead,” Blanchfield stated. “A finish is always better than a decision win.”
Blanchfield remains focused on her upcoming fight, despite distractions. “Media and potential fights like Weili’s are always there, but timing is everything. I have room to grow, and this fight is a chance to do that.”