UFC 322: Blanchfield vs. Cortez delivers a high-stakes rematch in the women’s flyweight division on November 15, 2025, as grappling prodigy Erin Blanchfield meets sharp-boxing contender Tracy Cortez. Their first encounter in Invicta was a razor-close split decision for Cortez. Now both fighters enter the UFC top ten seeking clarity, momentum, and a potential path toward a future title shot.
Erin Blanchfield
Erin Blanchfield (13-2) is one of the youngest elite threats at 125 pounds. A BJJ black belt with a relentless wrestling pace, Blanchfield has built her rise on top pressure, high output, and a knack for hunting finishes in scrambles. She owns a string of wins over ranked competition, including Jéssica Andrade, Molly McCann, Miranda Maverick, and a rebound victory against Rose Namajunas following her loss to Manon Fiorot. Blanchfield’s confidence in extended grappling sequences, combined with her improving striking fundamentals, makes her one of the division’s toughest matchups in three and five-round fights.
Erin Blanchfield – Last 5 Fights:
* Win vs. Rose Namajunas – Decision (Unanimous), UFC Fight Night, Nov 2, 2024
* Loss vs. Manon Fiorot – Decision (Unanimous), UFC on ESPN 54, Mar 30, 2024
* Win vs. Taila Santos – Decision (Unanimous), UFC Fight Night, Aug 26, 2023
* Win vs. Jéssica Andrade – Submission (Rear-Naked Choke), UFC Fight Night, Feb 18, 2023
* Win vs. Molly McCann – Submission (Kimura), UFC 281, Nov 12, 2022
Keys: Blanchfield must close distance, force clinches, and chain takedown attempts. If she secures top control or takes Cortez’s back, her submission threat becomes a decisive factor.
Tracy Cortez
Tracy Cortez (12-2) is a polished boxer-wrestler with disciplined footwork and dependable cardio. She has collected UFC wins over Viviane Araújo, Jasmine Jasudavicius, Melissa Gatto, and Justine Kish while showcasing strong defensive grappling and clean combinations. Cortez has evolved significantly since the first Blanchfield meeting, adding sharper boxing angles, better shot selection, and improved confidence in prolonged striking exchanges. Her most recent victory against Araújo demonstrated poise and effective distance management, reaffirming her status as a top-tier technician.
Tracy Cortez – Last 5 Fights:
* Win vs. Viviane Araújo – Decision (Unanimous), UFC 317, Jun 28, 2025
* Loss vs. Rose Namajunas – Decision (Unanimous), UFC on ESPN, Jul 13, 2024
* Win vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius – Decision (Unanimous), UFC Fight Night, Sep 16, 2023
* Win vs. Melissa Gatto – Decision (Unanimous), UFC 274, May 7, 2022
* Win vs. Justine Kish – Decision (Split), UFC on ESPN, Apr 17, 2021
Keys: Cortez needs to maintain range, keep her jab active, and punish Blanchfield’s entries. If she uses lateral movement and counters well, she can force a striking-heavy fight that favors her.
Fight Breakdown
The stylistic contrast is clear. Blanchfield thrives when she can pressure, wrestle, and control pace on the mat. Cortez is at her best when she keeps the fight at distance and wins exchanges with clean boxing. The key factor is whether Cortez can sustain her takedown defense long enough to score on the feet or whether Blanchfield’s persistence eventually cracks her base. Both women are far better than they were in their Invicta meeting, creating a compelling skill-versus-adjustments rematch.
Prediction
Cortez has the striking to keep rounds competitive and the durability to extend fights, yet Blanchfield’s relentless pressure and grappling volume usually take over as matchups progress. Expect Cortez to win early moments but Blanchfield to break through by the mid rounds.
Prediction: Erin Blanchfield def. Tracy Cortez via Submission (Round 3)
A decisive win edges Blanchfield closer to a title eliminator, while a Cortez upset would be the signature victory she needs to enter the championship conversation.