MMA Preview – Erin Blanchfield vs Taila Santos at UFC Fight Night 225
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
ERIN BLANCHFIELD VS TAILA SANTOS FACTS
When is UFC Singapore? Saturday 26th August, 2023 - 11:30 start (UK)
Where is UFC Singapore? Singapore Indoor Stadium, Kallang, Singapore (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Singapore? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Singapore on? TNT Sports 3
Where can I stream UFC Singapore? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
ERIN BLANCHFIELD VS TAILA SANTOS LOWDOWN
Erin Blanchfield (11-1) has wasted little time in staking a claim for the flyweight strap. She only has one loss on the record which was to Tracy Cortez via split decision and she was only 19 years old at the time. She has collected eight wins since including five in the UFC. She has recently showcased her grappling prowess by submitting JJ Aldrich (2022) and Molly McCann (2022) with ease. However, it was he last submission that put the division on notice cinching up a rear-naked choke on the former strawweight champion Jessica Andrade back in February.
Now, she takes on fellow prospect Taila Santos (19-2). She earnt a title shot in just five UFC fights. She lost a baffling split decision on debut against Mara Romero Borella (2019) but then went on to outpoint McCann (2020), Gillian Robertson (2020) and Roxanne Modafferi (2021) before submitting Joanne Wood (2021). She then met the former Queen of the division Valentina Shevchenko (2022) and took her to the wire falling short in a split decision.
ERIN BLANCHFIELD VS TAILA SANTOS PREDICTION
This match-up is just overflowing with talent. Blanchfield’s jiu-jitsu has always been off the charts and she displayed her improvements on the feet against the veteran Andrade.
Santos is more well-rounded with exceptional grappling with powerful and dynamic striking. Although, we have not seen her for over a year she provides Blanchfield’s toughest test to date.
Not many fighters stand a chance against Shevchenko and the fact one judge and many fans thought Santos beat her, tell you everything you need to know about her calibre. On paper, she is better than Blanchfield, but if this goes to the floor, she will be in trouble.
However, she will have to work very hard to get Santos down. She is bigger and more powerful and if she can keep this fight on the feet, she will punish Blanchfield. Santos has the ability to defend the majority of takedowns and for that reason we are backing her to earn a decision.
We understand why Blanchfield is the favourite and Santos and been dealing with personal issues for the year she has been out, but on paper she should take this.
Prediction: Santos via Decision
Value bet: Santos via Decision
