Erin Blanchfield vs. Molly McCann is scheduled for three rounds in the flyweight division as a featured undercard attraction of UFC 281 from Madison Square Garden in New York.
Fan favorite McCann is upgrading the competition in a big way in the form of Blanchfield, who isn’t about to cede a spot inside the Top 10 to the rowdy Liverpudlian brawler.
The once-beaten Blanchfield is a considerable UFC odds favorite at -390, meaning McCann may be up against it as a +310 underdog.
Here are our picks and predictions for Blanchfield vs. McCann at UFC 281.
Blanchfield vs McCann fight odds
Blanchfield vs McCann method of victory odds
| Method of Victory | Erin Blanchfield | Molly McCann |
|---|---|---|
| To win by KO/TKO/DQ | +400 | +1,200 |
| To win by Decision | -115 | +550 |
| To win by Submission | +330 | +2,200 |
| Draw | +5,000 | +5,000 |
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook on November 9, 2022.
Blanchfield vs McCann picks
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
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Blanchfield vs McCann betting preview
McCann was in the octagon less than three months ago, playing to her home crowd in a walkover win vs. Hannah Goldy, but she faces a bigger challenge in Blanchfield. The 23-year-old from New York is a BJJ specialist with upside as she nears her prime and a spot in the Top 10. The odds are making this look like a blowout, but there is some intrigue.
There is a lot to like about Blanchfield. She has shown a lot of potential during her run in Invicta FC, and she is 3-0 since joining the UFC. Two fights ago, Blanchfield put Miranda Maverick on the canvas eight times and has landed more than double the strikes her opponents have with an incredible 214-94 margin. She may not even be in her prime yet, which is all the reason to be excited about her development
Blanchfield has the looks of a fighter who can do it all as she lands 5.69 significant strikes per minute at 56% accuracy, and she excels in grappling where she lands 3.99 takedowns per 15 minutes at 66% accuracy. The surging flyweight has four finishes in nine wins with an average fight length of 12:33 and overcame a tough opening round to choke out JJ Aldrich in the second round last June.
McCann is playing the role of underdog here and she will make it a tough night at the office for Blanchfield. After dropping two straight fights, McCann has rebounded by winning her last three, looking sensational in the process. If McCann catches you with a clean shot, she will hurt you.
“Meatball” McCann primarily gets her work done with her striking where she lands 5.84 significant strikes per minute at 50% accuracy, and she can work on the ground where she averages 1.73 takedowns per 15 minutes at 35% accuracy. McCann has six knockout wins and has stopped her last two opponents inside the distance with strikes.
The odds are taking into account how good Blanchfield looks as well as McCann’s questionable all-around defense. Not too long ago, McCann was taken down five times by Taila Santos, then seven times by Lara Procopio in that two-loss skid. These two will get to know each other right away and get busy, but the moment the fight hits the ground, McCann will be in serious trouble.
Blanchfield vs McCann tale of the tape
| Erin Blanchfield | Molly McCann | |
|---|---|---|
| 23 | Age | 32 |
| 5-foot-4 | Height | 5-foot-4 |
| 124.5 lbs | Weight | 125.5 lbs |
| 66 inches | Reach | 62 inches |
| 9-1-0 (2 KO) | Record | 13-4-0 (6 KO) |
Blanchfield vs McCann UFC prediction and best bet
Our prediction is compiled from the analysis of the fighters and is an indication of who we are leaning with to win this bout.
Our best bet is the play that we like the most for this fight or where the most value lies, and is where we would put some of our bankroll behind.
Prediction: Blanchfield ML (-390)
A looming factor here is that Blanchfield has a four-inch reach advantage, which should delay McCann’s offense and slow down the pace. McCann might try to rush in to overwhelm Blanchfield, but she’ll be at risk for a takedown and whatever else comes with it each time she marches in there.
McCann won’t be able to work behind her jab with that disadvantage, either. Blanchfield's length and faster hands will only drive her backward until she’s up against the octagon where she runs the risk of getting submitted. Blanchfield needs to be careful coming in because McCann is known to have some stopping power, but she’ll quickly realize McCann is an open book for her.
Stylewise, it’s hard to disagree with the odds. Blanchfield won't be mystified by her opponent’s conventional approach. We’ll get to see a little bit of everything from her arsenal as she cruises to what should be a one-sided win.
Prediction: Erin Blanchfield moneyline (-390 at DraftKings)
Best bet: Under 2.5 rounds (+160)
McCann’s aggressiveness and leaky defense give Blanchfield a chance to win big. Because McCann needs to come forward and hope for the best, Blanchfield can stand her ground and eventually take McCann to the mat. Once she does, she’ll be able to finish her off or do enough damage to wear her down.
We’re investing in Blanchfield’s potential here. We're betting she can get McCann out of the octagon in two rounds. A bet on the fight ending Under 2.5 rounds is a solid +160 bet.
Pick: Under 2.5 rounds (+160 at DraftKings)
