UFC Fight Night: Blanchfield vs. Fiorot

The official Tapology discussion thread for the event!

Manon looked drained as hell.

Chidi looked like a black version of Skeletor.

Luque looked like he lost a good amount of muscle mass.

Blanchfield vs. Fiorot
Erin Blanchfield, SUB, R5
This is a pivotal matchup between two Flyweights pushing their way to number one title contender status. Manon Fiorot is an accomplished decorated striker with crisp clean boxing technique. Blanchfield, a gritty grappler who pushes the pace with forward pressure. On the feet, Fiorot will have a significant advantage especially from distance. Blanchfield has shown improvement in her striking but still leaves holes in her guard especially with her entries. She's shown the durability and willingess to take strikes to get closer to a clinch position. In the clinch, Blanchfield uses good pressure and mixes in the strikes to soften her opponents up. Fiorot does utilize over/under hooks well to keep in a standing position. This will be her best path to victory. If Blanchfield can land some takedowns she should be able to hold Fiorot down. Blanchfield is 1st among active Flyweights in control time% at 55.1%. she also has thrown 99 ground strikes which tells me she's committed to softening her opponents up. This is where I feel Blanchfield will land most of her effective strikes. I'm not overly concerned about Blanchfields shut out in takedowns last fight. She was able to wear on Santos against the cage which almost neutralized Santos striking. I feel the same should happen here. Maybe she won't land early takedowns but should be able to get to the grappling and wear on Fiorot. If the takedown happens, I see Blanchfield landing damage on Fiorot enough for Fiorot to give up the back. I got Blanchfield by RNC in the 5th.

I watched all the fights of Manon and Eryn , studied the tape nicely. So what I can tell you guys , everyone is making mistake on takedown attempts. Almost everyone is saying 0-14 takedowns against Taila. First of all Taila has one of the best takedown defense, second she was not taken down , but she was controlled 2nd and 3rd  rounds completely. And the pace that Eryn puts is incredible. Plus she has a chin . So unless Fiorot is making some highlight reel Knockout Like O'Malley vs Sterling she will be the whole fight controlled either against the fence or on the ground. Only question is it will be Dec or KO/TKO or Submission win for Eryn? 

Blenchfield will humble this girl. She will humber Barber next. If she fights her. They just don’t like her because she’s super young and clapping those cheeks.

Fiorot is literally one of the easiest picks this year, great TDD and a far better striker.

Guys, do you really think Njokuani is bad?

I think he'll probably starch Mckee early, others have done it before and Chidi is huge at WW. But if he can't it will probably be all downhill after the first round

Blachfield went 0/14 on takedowns against Santos. Shev Mickey shot 5 times and completed 3 💀💀

Let me say this in the nicest simplest way, Erin does BJJ she is not a wrestler.

@Segador 

great TD against who? Mind if I ask

Chidi is really talented but he's a quitter. I'll take heart over talent in a fight every time. 

Why is everyone so heavy on Dudakota ? Her last fight she was -500 fav. And fought like she was -115

Pleasure man + Bazooka + Chidi first round flying knee = brand new car for big daddy stoppage 💰🚙

@John7 

I think he is better than McKee. If that says anything. He should win. 

I didn't explain it correctly, I was saying about him being bad at the weigh-in. I also think he's better than McKee, McKee returned better to the UFC, but I still don't think he's ready. I just watched the weigh-in ceremony, I think Njokuani is well

@John7 

yeah I just don’t see McKee win here. Might go to a Dec who knows.

Angel Pacheco vs. Caolán Loughran
Caolán Loughran, TKO, R2

Andre Petroski vs. Jacob Malkoun
Andre Petroski, TKO, R2

Melissa Gatto vs. Victoria Dudakova
Victoria Dudakova, DEC

Ibo Aslan vs. Anton Turkalj
Anton Turkalj, SUB, R2

Connor Matthews vs. Dennis Buzukja
Dennis Buzukja, DEC

Julio Arce vs. Herbert Burns
Julio Arce, TKO, R2

Virna Jandiroba vs. Lupita Godinez
Lupita Godinez, DEC

Nate Landwehr vs. Jamall Emmers
Jamall Emmers, DEC

Chidi Njokuani vs. Rhys McKee
Chidi Njokuani, TKO, R1

Bill Algeo vs. Kyle Nelson
Bill Algeo, DEC

Nursulton Ruziboev vs. Sedriques Dumas
Nursulton Ruziboev, SUB, R1

Bruno Silva vs. Chris Weidman
Bruno Silva, TKO, R1

Vicente Luque vs. Joaquin Buckley
Joaquin Buckley, TKO, R2

Erin Blanchfield vs. Manon Fiorot
Manon Fiorot, DEC.

Can’t really get much better then 91% takedown defence and 5th least time controlled on bottom tho, people are just assuming she can’t wrestle because the people she fought, but not only is they’re **** all evidences to say that, you can just tell she a good wrestler if you have eyes, also being strong af will help a lot 

Blanchfield is the  one with evidence of having issue taking girls down tho, going 0-7 and 1-15 on takedown is very sus,  if she a great wrestler that shouldn’t be happening???, her overall grappling is what great. More then her wresling

* Edited at 03.29.2024, 6:10 PM ET *

1. Erin Blanchfield vs. Manon Fiorot

• Predicted Winner:Manon Fiorot
• Method of Victory:TKO
• Round:Round 4
• Confidence:70%
• Breakdown:  Given Fiorot's exceptional striking and defensive capabilities, along with her proven ability to handle grapplers, she is well-positioned to navigate Blanchfield's takedown attempts and find opportunities to land significant strikes. As the fight progresses into the championship rounds, Fiorot's striking volume and power may increasingly take a toll on Blanchfield, leading to a late stoppage victory in a highly competitive and strategic contest. 

2. Vicente Luque vs. Joaquin Buckley

• Predicted Winner:Vicente Luque
• Method of Victory:Submission
• Round:Round 3
• Confidence:65%
• Breakdown:Given Luque's proven track record against high-level competition and his ability to absorb pressure and find ways to win, he is well-positioned to navigate Buckley's striking threat. Luque's strategic approach, combining striking with opportunities to initiate grappling exchanges, may lead to a submission victory as the fight progresses and Buckley potentially tires from Luque's constant pressure. 

3. Chris Weidman vs. Bruno Silva

• Predicted Winner:Chris Weidman
• Method of Victory:Submission
• Round:Round 2
• Confidence:60%
• Breakdown:Given the matchup dynamics, with Weidman's adeptness at securing submissions against opponents with known submission defense issues, he stands out as having a significant advantage. If Weidman can implement his game plan to bring Silva to the ground, his high-level submission skills are likely to come to the forefront, potentially leading to a submission victory. 

4. Nursulton Ruziboev vs. Sedriques Dumas

• Predicted Winner:Nursulton Ruziboev
• Method of Victory:Decision
• Confidence:55%
• Breakdown:Assuming Ruziboev's grappling stats are indicative of his fighting style, his ability to mix takedowns with effective striking could pose significant challenges for Dumas. While Dumas's skill set makes him competitive in all facets of the fight, Ruziboev's experience and potential pace may see him control the majority of the bout, leading to a decision victory. This matchup is an intriguing test of Dumas's ability to handle an opponent with a high activity rate and a blend of striking and grappling threats. 

5. Bill Algeo vs. Kyle Nelson

• Predicted Winner:ill Algeo
• Method of Victory:Decision
• Confidence:70%
• Breakdown:Algeo's striking volume, accuracy, and ability to mix in grappling when necessary give him a distinct advantage in this matchup. Assuming he can manage Nelson's attempts to bring the fight to the ground, Algeo is likely to outland Nelson in significant strikes and control the pace of the fight, leading to a decision victory in a competitive and action-packed bout. 

6. Chidi Njokuani vs. Rhys McKee

• Predicted Winner:Rhys McKee 
• Method of Victory:TKO
• Round:Round 3
• Breakdown:Considering the potential impact of the weight cut on Njokuani, McKee's consistent performance at welterweight, his volume striking, and durability might give him an edge in a fight that goes the distance. If Njokuani is not at his physical best, McKee could capitalize on this, maintaining a high pace and using his reach and volume to secure a decision win. This adjustment underscores the significance of the weight cut as a critical factor in fight preparation and performance, especially for fighters moving down in weight class. 

7. Nate Landwehr vs. Jamall Emmers

• Predicted Winner:Jamall Emmers
• Method of Victory:Decision
• Confidence:65%
• Breakdown:Considering Emmers' balanced approach, striking defense, and grappling capabilities, he seems well-equipped to handle Landwehr's pressure and volume. If Emmers can effectively utilize his reach and manage the pace of the fight, he is likely to edge out a decision victory by blending striking with timely takedowns, showcasing his versatility and strategic acumen. 

8. Virna Jandiroba vs. Loopy Godinez

• Predicted Winner:Virna Jandiroba
• Method of Victory:Submission
• Round:Round 2
• Confidence:75%
• Breakdown:Considering Jandiroba's high-level grappling and submission expertise, if she successfully navigates the striking exchanges and brings the fight to her world on the ground, she is well-placed to secure a submission victory. Godinez's striking and wrestling will pose challenges, especially early on, but Jandiroba's persistence in seeking takedowns and her efficiency in ground control may lead her to find the submission in the middle rounds. 

9. Julio Arce vs. Herbert Burns

• Predicted Winner:Julio Arce
• Method of Victory:Decision
• Confidence:70%
• Breakdown:Arce's striking proficiency and exceptional takedown defense will have him well-positioned to navigate Burns's grappling threat. If Arce can keep the fight standing and utilize his volume and accuracy, he's likely to secure a decision victory by out striking Burns over the course of the bout. Burns's path to victory remains a significant threat on the ground, but Arce's defensive skills might limit opportunities for Burns to implement his game plan effectively. 

10. Dennis Buzukja vs. Connor Matthews

• Predicted Winner:Connor Matthews
• Method of Victory:Submission
• Round:Round 2
• Confidence:65%
• Breakdown:Given Matthews's aggressive style and proficiency in grappling, he seems well-equipped to exploit Buzukja's vulnerabilities, especially if he can make the fight a grappling contest. Matthews's ability to blend his striking with effective takedowns and his notable submission skills may lead him to secure a submission victory, capitalizing on any openings presented by Buzukja during the bout. 

11. Ibo Aslan vs. Anton Turkalj

• Predicted Winner:Ibo Aslan
• Method of Victory:KO/TKO
• Round:Round 1
• Confidence:70%
• Breakdown:Given Aslan's striking dominance and proven finishing ability, coupled with Turkalj's challenges in striking defense, Aslan is well-placed to exploit these vulnerabilities early in the fight. If Aslan can effectively manage the distance and land powerful strikes, he may secure a knockout victory, capitalizing on Turkalj's attempt to close distance for takedowns. 

12. Viktoriia Dudakova vs. Melissa Gatto

• Predicted Winner:Viktoriia Dudakova
• Method of Victory:  Decision
• Confidence:60%
• Breakdown:  The confidence in this outcome is based on Dudakova's overall skill set, not just her submission game. Recognizing Gatto's proven ability to defend against submissions, Dudakova may leverage her striking and control to secure a decision victory. This approach acknowledges Gatto's defensive prowess while still considering Dudakova's versatility and potential to adapt her strategy beyond seeking submissions. 

13. Andre Petroski vs. Jacob Malkoun

• Predicted Winner:Andre Petroski
• Method of Victory:Submission
• Round:Round 2
• Confidence:70%
• Breakdown:Given Petroski's balanced skill set, high-level wrestling, and submission threat, he appears well-equipped to control the fight's pace and location. Malkoun's striking and grappling present legitimate challenges, but Petroski's efficiency in transitioning from striking to grappling may allow him to secure a dominant position and find a submission as the fight progresses. Malkoun's lower takedown defense could be the critical vulnerability that Petroski exploits to achieve victory. 

14. Angel Pacheco vs. Caolan Loughran

• Predicted Winner:Caolan Loughran 
• Method of Victory:KO/TKO
• Round:Round 2
• Confidence:65%
• Breakdown:  Loughran's ability to navigate Pacheco's power and leverage his own striking and grappling should secure him the win, especially if Pacheco's performance is impacted by the new weight class. 

 

* Edited at 03.29.2024, 6:57 PM ET *

Guessing he misjudged it since he has fought at 135