Erin Blanchfield is eager to continue fighting and she’s excited about the prospect of moving up to the 135-pound weight class to compete for a different championship. Although Blanchfield may potentially be in line for a flyweight title fight, after her impressive win over Jessica Andrade in February, recent events have altered her plans.

Alexa Grasso has caused a disruption by defeating Valentina Shevchenko, which has left Blanchfield without a future fight in her current weight class. Blanchfield also heard about Amanda Nunes retiring at UFC 289, which has led her to consider competing at bantamweight as a potential option.

Blanchfield views Julianna Peña as one of the best options for a potential title fight given that she is the current No. 1 contender and former champ. While Raquel Pennington could also be a potential contender given her winning streak, Pennington has recently lost to the past three UFC champions, making her an unlikely choice for the title. Moreover, Nunes had beaten Pennington, Holm, Peña, and Irene Aldana, three of the top-ranking contenders at bantamweight.

Blanchfield believes that she would bring some much-needed youth and enthusiasm to the division and would be an excellent addition to finally break the monotony of the same former champions and contenders who have repeatedly competed in the past. “Bantamweight hasn’t had as many prospects come up as the flyweight division has, and I think throwing my name in there and having me fight for a 135-pound title is definitely going to get a lot of eyes on it.”

Despite never competing in the 135-pound class before, Blanchfield is confident that she can hold her own with Peña. She recognizes that Peña is a tough fighter, and that her previous fight against Amanda Nunes was a commendable showing of courage in spite of defeat. Still, Blanchfield believes that she has the ability to defeat Julianna as well.

Blanchfield is eager to keep fighting and hopes for the opportunity to compete for the championship in the 135-pound class. It would be an honor to hold the belt and gain recognition as the youngest female UFC champion.

If Blanchfield were to win, she would dare to go back down to flyweight, win that championship as well, and become the youngest double champ. With several young fighters in the flyweight class, Blancfield may just make history as the youngest double champ.