Erin Blanchfield anticipates facing Manon Fiorot and seeks interim title if Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko is postponed

Erin Blanchfield is excitedly anticipating her next UFC assignment.

Though it’s unclear what that may be, Blanchfield (12-1 MMA, 6-0 UFC) is anticipating a significant match-up with Manon Fiorot (11-1 MMA, 6-0 UFC). Both flyweight contenders have solidified their positions as top contenders in a division eagerly anticipating a championship rematch between champion Alexa Grasso and former champion Valentina Shevchenko, who are both recovering from injuries.

“Yeah, it’s definitely stalling,” Blanchfield recently said during an online live stream for digital wallet platform HUMBL. “I feel like I’ve had a couple No. 1 contender fights now. But you know, I’m still pretty young and gained valuable experience in those fights. … Whether it’s an interim or not, I’ll beat (Fiorot), and then I should definitely get a title next.”

While UFC CEO Dana White has indicated it’s next, no timeline has been revealed for Grasso (16-3-1 MMA, 8-3-1 UFC) vs. Shevchenko (23-4-1 MMA, 12-3-1 UFC). Shevchenko had hand surgery in mid-September. Coincidentally, Grasso underwent hand surgery in early October.

If there are further delays, Blanchfield wouldn’t mind seeing an interim title put on the line. She’s healthy and ready to go following a slight nasal fracture suffered in a unanimous decision win over Taila Santos in August.

“I haven’t been told about that yet,” Blanchfield said. I would definitely push for that. That’s something I’d definitely be interested in. I’m not sure when Valentina and Alexa are going to be ready to fight again. I know I think they’re on a similar timeline in their recovery. I would hope that if it ends up being longer, they’d have me and Manon fight for an interim.”

Story originally appeared on MMA Junkie