UFC

Title talk? Erin Blanchfield and Jessica Andrade ambitious before tomorrow’s Fight Night headliner

Taila Santos out, Jessica Andrade in: Erin Blanchfield isn’t as phased by the late-notice change to her first UFC main event opponent this weekend as critics would expect, given the former champion awaiting her. Is nonchalance a good thing here, or should she be more concerned? Continue reading “Title talk? Erin Blanchfield and Jessica Andrade ambitious before tomorrow’s Fight Night headliner”

UFC

Before Jessica Andrade matchup, Lauren Murphy believes Shevchenko isn’t going to win forever

Lauren Murphy reacts after the conclusion of her flyweight fight against Miesha Tate during the UFC Fight Night event at UBS Arena on July 16, 2022...

Ahead of her main card matchup against former strawweight champion Jessica Andrade this weekend in Brazil, former title challenger Lauren Murphy spoke about Taila Santos’ split decision defeat by reigning titlist Valentina Shevchenko – whose last display reinforces the belief she’s not untouchable after finding herself in danger against the Brazilian last summer. Continue reading “Before Jessica Andrade matchup, Lauren Murphy believes Shevchenko isn’t going to win forever”

UFC

UFC 281: Esparza keen to extinguish lingering criticisms vs. confident Weili in first title defence

Opponents Carla Esparza and Zhang Weili of China pose on stage during the UFC 281 press conference at Madison Square Garden on November 09, 2022 in...

A decision machine. Far from entertaining. Part of the worst title fight in UFC history. The list goes on for Carla Esparza, a two-time strawweight champion not getting the respect her achievements deserve. The first title defence of her second reign against Zhang Weili on Saturday night is one many expect she’ll lose, handily at that, but the 35-year-old is excited. Continue reading “UFC 281: Esparza keen to extinguish lingering criticisms vs. confident Weili in first title defence”