Erin Blanchfield

Erin Blanchfield is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC women's flyweight division. Known for her elite Brazilian jiu-jitsu and composed fighting style, she has climbed to the top of the rankings by defeating former champions and title challengers. Her nickname "Cold Blooded" reflects the calm, methodical approach she brings to every fight, whether she's controlling opponents on the ground or submitting them. As of 2026, she is ranked #4 in the UFC women's flyweight division and #8 in the women's pound-for-pound rankings, making her one of the most dangerous contenders in the sport. [edit]

Blanchfield grew up in Elmwood Park, New Jersey, and started martial arts at age seven for self-defense. She began competing at eight and quickly fell in love with the sport. By the time she was 12, she had already decided she wanted to be a professional fighter. As a teenager, she joined the Renzo Gracie Academy, a legendary Brazilian jiu-jitsu camp, and committed herself to grappling full-time. Her hard work paid off at age 18 when she won the Eddie Bravo Invitational flyweight championship, becoming the first female and youngest champion in that tournament's history. That victory gave her the confidence to transition into professional MMA. [edit]

Blanchfield turned professional in 2018 and fought for Invicta FC, where she went 4-1 with wins over future UFC fighters Kay Hansen and Victoria Leonardo. Her only loss was a split decision to Tracy Cortez in 2019. She signed with the UFC in 2021 and quickly made an impact with her grappling. In 2023, she defeated former title challenger Taila Santos by unanimous decision, putting the division on notice. After a loss to Manon Fiorot in 2024, she bounced back with a dominant five-round win over former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas in November 2024. She then avenged her earlier loss by submitting Tracy Cortez with a rear-naked choke at UFC 322 in November 2025. As of 2026, she has won 10 of her last 11 fights and is on the verge of a title shot. [edit]

Blanchfield is known for her clinical, methodical fighting style that relies on positional control and submissions rather than flashy striking. The nickname "Cold Blooded" perfectly captures her unemotional, focused demeanor during fights. Media outlets describe her as a composed, intelligent fighter who rarely panics, even against elite opponents. On social media, she posts training content, fight announcements, and sponsor promotions, keeping her personal life out of the spotlight. Fans appreciate her technical mastery and her steady climb through the rankings, and she has built a loyal following among MMA enthusiasts who see her as a future champion. [edit]

Blanchfield earned her Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under coach Karel Pravec. She is the first female and youngest Eddie Bravo Invitational flyweight champion in history. Before turning 26, she had already defeated two former UFC champions or title challengers: Rose Namajunas and Taila Santos. Her nickname "Cold Blooded" comes from her calm demeanor in the cage. She began training at age seven for self-defense, not competition. She has a reach of 68 inches, which is unusually long for her height. [edit]

Blanchfield keeps her family life private, and no detailed information about her parents or siblings has been made public. She was born and raised in Elmwood Park, New Jersey, and now trains out of New York. She has not mentioned any children or pets in interviews. Her focus remains on her fighting career, and she has not shared details about her household or upbringing beyond her early start in martial arts. [edit]

Blanchfield trains at MK Muay Thai and is affiliated with the Renzo Gracie Academy. She has fought and defeated several notable UFC fighters, including Rose Namajunas, Taila Santos, and Tracy Cortez. Her grappling success is tied to the Eddie Bravo Invitational, where she made history. She is often compared to other top flyweights like Valentina Shevchenko and Manon Fiorot. [edit]

Blanchfield has kept her romantic life completely private. No public relationships, dating history, or marriages have been documented in any credible sports or news sources. As of 2026, there is no evidence of a current partner, and she has not discussed relationships in interviews. Her focus remains on her fighting career. [edit]

Blanchfield's net worth is estimated at $500,000 as of 2026. Her income comes primarily from UFC fight purses, win bonuses, and performance bonuses. She has headlined multiple events, which increases her pay. She also earns from sponsorships, including a partnership with DraftKings for their Reignmakers UFC digital card game. Additional income comes from grappling competition purses and potential appearance fees or seminars related to her Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt. While exact figures are not public, her disclosed career earnings from early fights were around $50,000, but her recent main-event bouts have significantly increased her earnings. [edit]

Blanchfield won the Eddie Bravo Invitational flyweight championship in 2017, becoming the first female and youngest champion in the event's history. She has not yet won a UFC title or received UFC performance bonuses, but her grappling achievements remain a highlight of her career. [edit]