Flyweight contenders Erin Blanchfield and Taila Santos are currently in talks to square off in a pivotal 125-pound matchup at the upcoming UFC Singapore card, set to take place on August 26.
Multiple sources familiar with the promotion’s intentions confirmed this information to MMA Hook on Friday. Although no official bout agreements have been drafted or signed yet, and the UFC has not made an official announcement regarding this fight, the news was initially reported by Freak MMA on Instagram.
Initially, Blanchfield was scheduled to face Santos prior to her dominant victory over Jessica Andrade in February. However, Santos had to withdraw from the bout after her coaches encountered visa complications and were unable to enter the United States. Following her win over Andrade, Blanchfield contemplated a potential move to bantamweight, eyeing a matchup against Julianna Pena, especially after Amanda Nunes relinquished her 135-pound title due to retirement. Nonetheless, it seems that the UFC has different plans for the 24-year-old fighter, redirecting her focus back to the Santos fight rather than a divisional shift for a shot at championship gold.
As for Santos, this will mark her first fight since a close split decision loss to former UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko in 2022. Santos came remarkably close to dethroning Shevchenko but fell just short in her bid to pull off the upset. Now, Santos aims to regain her momentum while taking on one of the most rapidly emerging talents in the entire UFC roster.
If the fight comes to fruition, Blanchfield and Santos will collide as part of the UFC’s highly anticipated return to Singapore, headlined by former featherweight champion Max Holloway squaring off against “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung in the main event.
Contributor: Mike Heck
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UFC Singapore
When and where is the UFC Singapore card scheduled to take place?
The UFC Singapore card is scheduled to take place on August 26 at a venue in Singapore.
Who are the fighters involved in the targeted matchup?
The targeted matchup features flyweight contenders Erin Blanchfield and Taila Santos.
Has the fight been officially confirmed?
As of now, no bout agreements have been issued or signed, and the UFC has not made an official announcement regarding the matchup.
What was the previous situation between Blanchfield and Santos?
Blanchfield was originally scheduled to face Santos before her bout with Jessica Andrade. However, Santos had to withdraw due to visa issues faced by her coaches.
What are the fighters’ recent records?
Blanchfield is coming off a lopsided win over Jessica Andrade, while Santos suffered a split decision loss to Valentina Shevchenko in her last fight.
Is this fight part of a larger event?
Yes, the fight is part of the UFC Singapore card, which also features Max Holloway vs. Chan Sung Jung as the main event.
More about UFC Singapore
- UFC Singapore
- Erin Blanchfield UFC Profile
- Taila Santos UFC Profile
- UFC News
- [MMA Hook](insert relevant link here)
- [Freak MMA Instagram](insert relevant link here)
