Singapore, August 26, 2023 – This Saturday morning, fight fans around the world will be treated to a highly anticipated clash between rising women’s flyweight contender Erin Blanchfield and former title challenger Taila Santos. The two fighters are set to square off in a featured bout on the UFC Singapore main card, scheduled to take place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. The event will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN+ at 8:25 a.m. ET.
Originally slated to take place earlier in the year, the matchup had to be rescheduled due to visa complications that prevented Santos’ participation. However, the wait seems to have only heightened the anticipation for what promises to be a pivotal bout in the women’s flyweight division.
The odds, as provided by Caesars, currently stand in favor of Blanchfield at -160, while Santos enters the fight as the underdog with odds of +135. The over/under for the fight duration is set at 2.5 rounds, with odds of -270 for the fight going the distance and +200 for a finish before the final bell.
Blanchfield, at just 24 years old, has rapidly made a name for herself in the UFC with her exceptional grappling skills. A Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt since 2021, she has seamlessly translated her grappling prowess into the MMA arena. With a remarkable blend of wrestling ability and submission expertise, Blanchfield has been able to dictate the pace of her fights and secure victories from dominant positions.
Santos, on the other hand, is a former title challenger who made a lasting impression with her performance against Valentina Shevchenko. Though she narrowly lost the contest via split decision, Santos showcased her skills and resilience in a closely contested battle. Her striking game, which stems from a muay Thai background, is expected to be a significant factor in the fight.
Both fighters boast impressive records, with Blanchfield holding an 11-1 record and Santos sitting at 19-2. The tale of the tape reveals a few key differences in attributes, including height, weight, and reach, but it’s the fighting styles and strategies that will likely determine the outcome of the bout.
Blanchfield’s grappling acumen and wrestling prowess have been her primary assets throughout her MMA career. Her ability to secure takedowns from various clinch positions, coupled with her adept scrambling, could potentially pose a challenge for Santos. Despite her less developed striking game, Blanchfield’s recent improvements in that area have added a new dimension to her fighting style.
Santos, known for her technical striking and muay Thai skills, is expected to maintain distance and capitalize on counterattacking opportunities. Her clinch game, which has proven effective against even high-caliber opponents like Shevchenko, could play a pivotal role in controlling the pace of the fight.
While the fight is largely projected to be a battle of styles, it’s important to note that both fighters possess respectable ground games as well. Santos’ ground game is not to be underestimated, and she could potentially turn the tables if the fight hits the mat.
As the MMA world awaits this clash between Blanchfield and Santos, the stakes are high. The winner of this bout could potentially position themselves for a shot at the flyweight title in the near future, adding even more significance to an already intriguing matchup.
MMA enthusiasts and fight aficionados can catch all the action live on ESPN+ as these two talented flyweights step into the octagon to prove their mettle and inch closer to their respective aspirations of UFC gold.
