Erin Blanchfield explains Alexa Grasso's clue

EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada – UFC Fight Night 246 was a big moment for Erin Blanchfield as she defeated former champion Rose Namajunas by unanimous decision.

The five-round co-main event took place at Rogers Place on Saturday and took Blanchfield (13-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC) one step closer to her first UFC title shot.

However, it wasn't without a struggle. Namajunas (13-7 MMA, 11-6 UFC) confused Blanchfield with her striking in the first two rounds before Blanchfield took the momentum and won the final three rounds.

“It was a super tough fight,” Blanchfield told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight press conference. “I feel like I won the last three rounds and we lost the first two. I think it was a really good experience.”…I know I always have that in me. I wish I would stop dropping the first round or two. But I knew if I could get my timing back with that takedown and I knew it was my fight.”

Although there is still a lot to improve on, Blanchfield said she wants to make sure another big matchup is next. Given that a title fight is likely out of reach with Manon Fiorot waiting in the wings, Blanchfield called for the next best option: Alexa Grasso (16-4-1 MMA, 8-4-1 UFC), the woman who holds the belt stopped in front of the current champion Valentina Shevchenko.

“I think she’s already said she’d like to take this fight, so I think it’ll happen,” Blanchfield said. “…She’s another great boxer, just like Rose. I could imagine it was similar. … I feel like all the struggles I've had have led me to this point. Fighting opponents at this level will really strengthen me.

“I don’t want to fight people who don’t necessarily ever become champions themselves. I feel like this won't give me the experience I need. That’s why I called someone, someone like Alexa.”

For more information on the card, check out MMA Junkie's UFC Fight Night 246 event hub.