The UFC will return this weekend with a Fight Night card from the Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. Former UFC Strawweight champion Jessica Andrade will face 23-year-old rising contender Erin Blanchfield in the main event. Andrade has now won three in a row after defeating former title challenger Lauren Murphy in January. All-Time UFC wins leader Jim Miller will make his 41st walk to the cage Saturday in a lightweight contest against 30-year-old prospect Alexander Hernandez. Also on the card, Ovince Saint Preux (26-16) will fight Philipe Lins (15-5) in what could be a highly entertaining Light Heavyweight contest. The UFC Fight Night 219 prelims and main card can be seen on ESPN+.
#3 Jessica Andrade (24-9) vs Erin Blanchfield (10-1)
On less than two weeks’ notice, former champion Jessica Andrade will step into the UFC Fight Night 219 main event. Andrade will have an incredibly tough test in the form of Erin Blanchfield. In Blanchfield’s last fight, she dominated Molly McCann landing the British fan favorite 93-7 in total strikes before submitting her on the ground. Blanchfield is just 23 years old and potentially the youngest female champion in UFC history. Andrade has finished two of her last three opponents and is one of the most dominant physical forces in women’s MMA.
Andrade is a finisher who has displayed over her career that she can end fights by submission and knockout. When Andrade won the Flyweight title against Rose Namajunas, she slammed the then-champion on her head, knocking her unconscious. Last April, Andrade submitted Amanda Lemos with a Standing Arm Triangle. This type of physicality is rarely seen in women’s MMA, making Andrade a dangerous opponent at 115 or 125 pounds. Blanchfield is 4-0 in the UFC and has shot up the rankings into the top ten. Blanchfield has shown tremendous improvement in striking and possesses a dominant ground game.
Prediction
If I had to predict this fight, I would go with Andrade by decision. Andrade has gone the distance ten times in her career and has faced five world champions. This is a major step up in competition for Blanchfield, who has never been the main event of a UFC card. Blanchfield has never faced a former world champion and has one victory inside the UFC top ten rankings. With that being said, either fighter can end this fight. Andrade should have a significant advantage on the feet and may give Blanchfield problems with her punching power. Blanchfield, however, can take this fight down and end it with a submission. This should be a highly competitive main event.
Jim Miller (36-16) vs Alexander Hernandez (13-6)
A Lightweight contest between UFC veteran Jim Miller and Alexander Hernandez is worth tuning in for this weekend. Miller is the UFC’s all-time wins leader and holds the record for total UFC appearances. Miller is a Cal Ripken-like figure in MMA who has competed at least twice for the UFC every year, dating back to his signing in 2008. A true Iron man of the sport, Miller has faced the top competition the promotion offers over his career. Miller holds impressive victories over opponents like former Lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, Donald Cerrone, Takanori Gomi, and Clay Guida.
At 30 years old, Hernandez is in the prime of his career but has lost 3 of his last 4. Hernandez recently came up short against respected contenders Billy Quarentillo and Renato Moicano, getting finished in both of those fights. Hernandez is a good athlete with power in his hands and quality wrestling. Miller is on a three-fight winning streak but is now 39 years old. It will be interesting to see what will matter more in this matchup: Miller’s experience and technique or the youth and explosiveness of Hernandez.
UFC Fight Night 219 Prelims:
The UFC Fight Night 219 prelims will feature a few intriguing fights early. Former title contender Ovince Saint Preux (26-16) will face former Heavyweight prospect Philipe Lins (15-5). Saint Preux challenged for Jon Jones Light Heavyweight title in 2016 but has gone 7-9 since that fight. Lins is a former Heavyweight who has dropped to 205 pounds, transforming his body. Lins looked athletic in his first Light Heavyweight fight last year, winning a decision against Marcin Prachino. Also, on the UFC Fight Night, 219 prelims, Undefeated Chechnyan prospect Khusein Askhabov (23-0) will make his promotional debut against Jamall Emmers (18-6). Askhabov has been competing at various European promotions but has 16 finishes on his professional record.
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