NEW YORK – Molly McCann entered Madison Square Garden with an ovation that made it seem like she was New York’s child – not Erin Blanchfield.
In a highly-anticipated UFC 281 prelim, Blanchfield (10-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC), despite being from New Jersey, ran right through the boos and McCann (13-5 MMA, 6-4 UFC) for a kimura submission win at 3:37 of Round 1.
A takedown in the opening minute marked the beginning of the end for McCann, who showed some guts as she spent the next two-plus minutes fighting out of submission and crucifix attempts by Blanchfield.
When McCann would pop out of the submission, Blanchfield would crucifix her. When the crucifix wasn’t there, Blanchfield immediately isolated an arm. Eventually, Blanchfield locked in a kimura – and that was that.
A nonchalant Blanchfield stood up, brushed off her shoulder, and embraced her coaches – finally getting some hometown cheers.
TOTAL DOMINATION FROM BLANCHFIELD OVER MCCANN 😳 #UFC281 pic.twitter.com/ahlWQ4zQNI
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 13, 2022
With the win, Blanchfield extends her winning streak to seven since a controversial decision loss to Tracy Cortez in 2019 outside the UFC. Since she signed with the promotion in 2021, Blanchfield has picked up wins over McCann, JJ Aldrich, Miranda Maverick, and Sarah Alpar.
As for McCann, a three-fight winning streak snapped with the loss. She entered UFC 281 with an all-time self-high popularity. Her two previous victories came by violent spinning elbow and elevated her popularity to a new level. McCann and longtime friend Paddy Pimblett have become two of the most beloved figures in UK MMA today, which she admitted prior to UFC 281 has been a major adjustment.
23-year-old Erin Blanchfield moved to 10-1 with an absolute mauling of "Meatball" Molly. 😳 #UFC281 | Live results: https://t.co/IwlReiajNE pic.twitter.com/JQube408XM
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) November 13, 2022
Up-to-the-minute UFC 281 results include:
- Erin Blanchfield def. Molly McCann via submission (kimura) – Round 1, 3:37
- Andre Petrsoki def. Wellington Turman via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
- Matt Frevola def. Ottman Azaitar via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 2:30
- Karolina Kowalkiewicz def. Silvana Gomez Juarez via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Michael Trizano def. Seungwoo Choi via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 4:51
- Montel Jackson def. Julio Arce via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-29)
- Carlos Ulberg def. Nicolae Negumereanu via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 3:44
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 281.
