Erin Blanchfield vs. Rose Namajunas prediction, pick, start time for UFC Fight Night 246

Erin Blanchfield and Rose Namajunas meet Saturday in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 246 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom. 

Last event: 1-4
UFC main cards, 2024: 90-85-3

Erin Blanchfield vs. Rose Namajunas UFC Fight Night 246 preview

Blanchfield (12-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC) returns to action after her first loss in the UFC, which came against Manon Fiorot in a March main event clash. The flyweight title hopeful won her first six UFC bouts, including stoppages of JJ Aldrich, Molly McCann and former strawweight champ Jessica Andrade. … Standing in Blanchfield’s way will be another former 115-pound champ, Namajunas (13-6 MMA, 11-5 UFC). “Thug’s” last loss also came against Fiorot last September in her flyweight debut. Since then, Namajunas rebounded with a pair of unanimous decision wins over Amanda Ribas and Tracy Cortez, bringing her 125-pound UFC record to 2-1.

Erin Blanchfield vs. Rose Namajunas UFC Fight Night 246 expert pick, prediction

The co-main event in Canada is an important women’s bantamweight bout between Blanchfield and Namajunas.

Despite one fighter coming off a win and the other coming off of a loss, I like the matchmaking here.

Namajunas has looked much healthier up at flyweight, so I’m still leaving some room to be surprised about having a statement performance in this division.

Blanchfield, on the other hand, is coming off her first loss in a long time and will be looking to show out in an important bounce-back spot.

From a stylistic perspective, I believe Blanchfield should have a straightforward path in this fight.

As long as Blanchfield doesn’t get stuck outside of Namajunas’ jab, then the New Jersey native’s consistent work rate and grappling pressure should be able to tip the tempo and scorecards in her favor.

Namajunas has the striking and wrestling to keep Blanchfield off of her, but the former strawweight champ still shows some lapses in focus during five-round affairs.

The pick is Blanchfield by decision.

Erin Blanchfield vs. Rose Namajunas UFC Fight Night 246 odds

The oddsmakers and public favor the younger fighter, listing Blanchfield -138 and Namajunas +112 via FanDuel.

Erin Blanchfield vs. Rose Namajunas UFC Fight Night 246 start time, how to watch

As the co-main event, Blanchfield and Namajunas are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 10:05 p.m. ET (7:05 p.m. PT). The fight will stream on ESPN+.