It’s a rematch more than six years in the making.
Now top flyweight contenders Erin Blanchfield and Tracy Cortez will collide inside the UFC cage. A three-round bout between the two women is set for UFC 322 on Nov. 15. While no location is official, the promotion’s numbered November events typically take place at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Two people with knowledge of the matchup recently informed MMA Junkie of the booking but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an announcement.
Blanchfield (13-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC) and Cortez (12-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC) first fought in February 2019 under the Invicta FC banner. Cortez defeated Blanchfield by split decision, though a portion of viewers scored the bout otherwise.
After her UFC signing in 2021, Blanchfield quickly emerged as a top contender. She defeated Miranda Maverick, JJ Aldrich, Molly McCann, Jessica Andrade and Taila Santos before a loss to Manon Fiorot. In November, Blanchfield bounced back with a victory over Rose Namajunas.
Blanchfield was supposed to face Maycee Barber in a five-round headlining bout in May. However, Barber suffered a medical event seconds prior to her scheduled walkout and the fight was canceled on the spot.
As for Cortez, her biggest obstacle has been activity, only having competed three times since 2022. However, her performances have largely had the same result. Besides a loss to Namajunas in July 2024, Cortez has won every fight since her pro debut. She most recently competed in June when she defeated Viviane Araujo by unanimous decision.
Blanchfield vs. Cortez is the first fight to be set for UFC 322.
