Jasudavicius stuns Blanchfield with dominant grappling display at UFC Edmonton

Jasmine Jasudavicius handed Erin Blanchfield only her second UFC defeat on Saturday night, controlling the co-main event in Edmonton through two dominant grappling rounds before coasting to a unanimous decision win that reshapes the women’s flyweight contender picture.

Jasudavicius, who entered the fight as an underdog, believes Blanchfield’s own reputation worked against her. “I do think that she did underestimate me,” Jasudavicius said at the post-fight press conference. “She’s obviously a talented grappler, but I’m big, I’m strong, I’m really good at grappling.”

The result gives Jasudavicius two consecutive wins and seven victories in her last eight fights. Her only recent blemish was a loss to Manon Fiorot, which she followed with a decision over Karine Silva before Saturday’s statement performance.

Despite the odds favouring Blanchfield heading into the bout, Jasudavicius said she never doubted her ability to be this decisive. “I did think it was definitely possible to be that dominant,” she said. “I know I can be the best in the world and I just try to do my best every fight.”

The flyweight division is currently led by Natalia Silva, who claimed the vacant 125-pound belt at UFC 332 by defeating Wang Cong, with longtime champion Valentina Shevchenko sidelined through injury. Should Shevchenko’s return be delayed, Jasudavicius has positioned herself as a credible next challenger.

Silva defeated Jasudavicius by a lopsided decision when the two met at UFC Austin in 2022, but the Canadian is confident a rematch would tell a different story. “When Natalia Silva and I fought the very first time, I had no information on her for three years prior,” Jasudavicius said. “You watch me three years ago vs. now? I’m a different fighter. Knowing her style, knowing what to expect, I would definitely prepare different for that fight and I think it makes sense for our paths to cross again.”