Erin Blanchfield vs. Tracy Cortez was one of the most technically demanding fights on the preliminary card of UFC 322, serving as a long-awaited rematch nearly seven years after Cortez had edged Blanchfield by split decision on the regional scene. Both women entered the contest ranked among the flyweight elite, with title implications hanging over the matchup.
From the opening bell, Blanchfield fought with a noticeably higher pace than in their first meeting. She pressured forward behind a stiff jab and quick low kicks, forcing Cortez to circle along the fence instead of establishing her preferred boxing combinations. Cortez answered with crisp right hands and excellent takedown defense early, shrugging off Blanchfield’s first few attempts and landing sharp counters whenever Blanchfield entered recklessly. The opening round featured constant momentum swings, with Cortez enjoying success in the striking exchanges while Blanchfield gradually imposed her clinch game against the cage. Every separation was followed by another wrestling entry, forcing Cortez to work continuously and expend valuable energy defending.
The second round saw Blanchfield increase the pressure even further. She mixed punches into level changes far more effectively, eventually dragging Cortez to the mat after chaining together multiple takedown attempts. Cortez initially scrambled impressively, threatening reversals and briefly returning to her feet, but Blanchfield refused to relinquish control. She repeatedly advanced position, moving from half guard to back control as Cortez attempted to stand.
Once both hooks were secured, Blanchfield patiently flattened Cortez out rather than rushing the submission. She maintained heavy chest-to-back pressure, forcing Cortez to defend hand fighting instead of escaping. As Cortez attempted to turn into her opponent, Blanchfield slipped her right arm underneath the chin and locked in a tight rear-naked choke. Despite fighting the hands, Cortez was unable to break the grip, and the choke tightened quickly. With no avenue of escape remaining, she tapped at 4:44 of Round 2, giving Blanchfield a definitive submission victory and revenge for the lone loss earlier in their rivalry.
The performance highlighted Blanchfield’s relentless grappling pressure and elite positional control. Rather than forcing reckless submission attempts, she systematically wore Cortez down through clinch work, chain wrestling, and dominant top control before capitalizing on the opening for the finish. Cortez displayed excellent toughness and defensive wrestling throughout much of the contest, but Blanchfield’s pace, persistence, and superior back control ultimately proved decisive.
The victory reestablished Blanchfield as one of the leading contenders in the UFC women’s flyweight division, while also settling their long-standing rivalry in emphatic fashion with the first submission loss of Cortez’s UFC career.