UFC Fight Night: Blanchfield vs Fiorot Preview and Predictions by Brett Cagle
Erin Blanchfield (12-1) vs. Manon Fiorot (11-1)
This weekend's main event will determine a new flyweight title contender. Both Erin Blanchfield and Manon Fiorot are undefeated in the UFC. Blanchfield, 24, has a chance to become the youngest women’s champion in UFC history. Fiorot is a technical striker who defeated strawweight champion Rose Namajunas in her last fight. This is a classic grappler vs. striker contest, as Blanchfield will try to take this fight to the ground. Currently, online sportsbooks have Blanchfield as a betting favorite (-185).
On the ground, Blanchfield is one of the best in the division. Blanchfield showcased her grappling and submission abilities against top-level competition when she fought Molly McCann. Blanchfield overcame a formidable opponent her last time out, in former title challenger Thalia Santos. In Fiorot’s only loss in MMA, she was defeated by jiu-jitsu and judo expert Leah McCourt. It will be an extremely competitive fight, but I’ll take Blanchfield's grappling ability and talent.
Prediction: Erin Blanchfield, by decision
Vicente Luque (22-9) vs. Joaquin Buckley (17-6)
The co-main event will feature welterweight finishers Vicente Luque and Joaquin Buckley. Luque recently defeated former lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos and has a wealth of high-level experience. Buckley is a highly aggressive striker who is always looking for a knockout. I don’t see any way this fight goes the distance; Buckley has 12 knockouts on his record, while Luque has finished 19 of his 22 wins.
Luque wants to be careful when standing with Buckley, who can pull off creative and devastating strikes. Luque has eight wins by submission and may take this fight to the ground. Luque was knocked out for the first time in 2022 by Geoff Neal, who is also an athletic southpaw. Buckley has zero wins by submission in his professional career and will enter the biggest fight of his life.
.
Prediction: Vicente Luque, by submission
Chris Weidman (15-7) vs. Bruno Silva (23-10)
Former middleweight world champion Chris Weidman will again compete with his East Coast fans. Weidman returned against Brad Tavares following a catastrophic leg injury that sidelined him for over a year. Weidman is 1-4 in his last five fights and may call it a career following this fight. Bruno Silva will try to play spoiler in this matchup, as he needs a win to keep his career on track. Silva holds 20 wins by knockout and will try to keep this fight standing. Online sportsbooks have Silva as a massive betting favorite (-235).
Silva has lost by submission seven times previously. This will factor into Weidman's game plan, as he has previously submitted dangerous strikers like Kelvin Gastelum. I like Weidman as a live underdog in this matchup.
Prediction: Chris Weidman, by submission