Jasmine Jasudavicius believes Erin Blanchfield made a costly mistake by underestimating her ahead of their clash at UFC Edmonton.
Jasudavicius shook up the UFC women’s flyweight division on Saturday with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Blanchfield in the event’s co-main event at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Canada.
The Canadian used her style to control Blanchfield over the first two rounds, leaving little doubt about the outcome when the final bell rang. The victory made Jasudavicius just the second woman to defeat Blanchfield inside the UFC Octagon.
Speaking at the UFC Edmonton post-fight press conference, Jasudavicius said she believed Blanchfield had overlooked her despite the American’s reputation as a talented grappler.
“Yes,” Jasudavicius said. “I do think that she did underestimate me. She’s obviously a talented grappler, but I’m big, I’m strong, I’m really good at grappling.”
The win marked Jasudavicius’ second consecutive victory after she bounced back from a loss to Manon Fiorot with a decision win over Karine Silva. She has now won seven of her last eight fights, strengthening her case for a shot at the UFC women’s flyweight title.
Although many expected Blanchfield to win and move closer to a title opportunity, Jasudavicius remained confident in her ability to deliver a dominant performance.
“I did think it was definitely possible to be that dominant,” Jasudavicius said. “I didn’t know for sure, of course it’s always the unknowns going into a fight, but yeah, I’m very thankful for my skills and abilities and yeah, I know I can be the best in the world and I just try to do my best every fight.”
With her impressive victory over Blanchfield, Jasudavicius has turned her attention to the UFC women’s flyweight championship.
If Shevchenko cannot return to challenge for the championship soon, Jasudavicius could find herself in contention for the next title opportunity.
However, Jasudavicius has unfinished business with Silva.
“When Natalia Silva and I fought the very first time, I had no information on her for three years prior to this, so yeah, I could kind of see her style, but you watch me three years ago vs. now?” Jasudavicius said. “I’m a different fighter, and just like her, too. I feel like now, knowing her style, knowing what to expect, I would definitely prepare different for that fight and I think it makes sense for our paths to cross again.”
Jasudavicius’ latest performance has strengthened her position among the division’s top contenders. Her victory over Blanchfield also showed that she can compete with one of the UFC’s most highly regarded flyweights.
