Erin Blanchfield had to weather some early adversity against Taila Santos, but she expected a difficult bout entering UFC Fight Night 225.
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“I expect these type of fights, I always hope to do them better,” Blanchfield said in a post-fight interview with the UFC. “Just get in there, don’t get hurt at all, finish the fight and get out, but tough fights like this are what make you grow. So sometimes you need them.”Santos started their flyweight bout strong, landing hard punches, knees and leg kicks in the opening stanza. Additionally, the Brazilian did a good job defending the takedown throughout the fight. Over time, though, Blanchfield was still able to impose her will through consistent pressure and control. That, in turn, created openings for her to land more strikes.
“She had strong leg kicks, I didn’t expect the leg kicks as much. Her takedown defense was good but I felt super close a couple times. I was persistent on it. I could feel her ge…