Erin Blanchfield vs. Rose Namajunas Prediction, Time: UFC Edmonton

Erin Blanchfield and Rose Namajunas meet in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 246 on Saturday at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.

Last event: 1-4
UFC main cards, 2024: 90-85-3

Erin Blanchfield vs. Rose Namajunas UFC Fight Night 246 preview

Blanchfield (12-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC) returns to action after her first UFC loss to Manon Fiorot in a main event fight in March. The flyweight title contender won her first six UFC fights, including losses to JJ Aldrich, Molly McCann and former strawweight champion Jessica Andrade. …Standing in Blanchfield's way will be another former 115-pound champion, Namajunas (13-6 MMA, 11-5 UFC). “Thug’s” most recent loss came last September in her flyweight debut, also against Fiorot. Since then, Namajunas rebounded with two unanimous decision wins over Amanda Ribas and Tracy Cortez, increasing her 125-pound UFC record to 2-1.

Erin Blanchfield vs. Rose Namajunas UFC Fight Night 246 Expert Pick, Prediction

The co-main event in Canada is an important women's bantamweight bout between Blanchfield and Namajunas.

Even though one fighter had a win and the other a loss, I like the matchmaking here.

Namajunas has looked much healthier at flyweight, so I still leave room to wonder about a standout performance in that division.

Blanchfield, on the other hand, is coming off its first defeat in a long time and will be looking to claw back an important lead.

From a stylistic perspective, I believe Blanchfield should take a clear path in this fight.

As long as Blanchfield doesn't get stuck outside of Namajunas' punch, the New Jersey native's consistent work rate and fighting pressure should be able to tip the tempo and scorecards in her favor.

Namajunas has the punching and wrestling necessary to keep Blanchfield away from her, but the former strawweight champion still shows some lapses in concentration during the five-round clash.

By decision, the choice rests with Blanchfield.

Erin Blanchfield vs. Rose Namajunas UFC Fight Night 246 odds

The oddsmakers and the public favor the younger fighter, calling Blanchfield -138 and Namajunas +112 via FanDuel.

Erin Blanchfield vs. Rose Namajunas UFC Fight Night 246 start time, how to watch

As the co-main event, Blanchfield and Namajunas are scheduled to head to the cage at approximately 10:05 p.m. ET (7:05 p.m. PT). The fight will be streamed on ESPN+.