Erin Blanchfield submits Tracy Cortez in UFC 322 rematch

UFC women's flyweight contenders Erin Blanchfield and Tracy Cortez fought to a split decision in February 2019 with Cortez coming away with the win. On Saturday, the two rematched on the UFC 322: Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev preliminary fight card. 

Blanchfield entered the fight ranked No. 4 in the division and coming off a decision win over former strawweight titleholder Rose Namajunas. Cortez made the walk to the octagon inside Madison Square Garden ranked No. 8 fresh off a decision win over Viviane Araujo.

Cortez took the center of the cage while Blanchfield circled on the outside. They exchanged jabs and Cortez stepped in the pocket with a combination. A right hand landed for Cortez and Blanchfield responded with a leg kick. Blanchfield connected with a right hand but Cortez reacted with a knee to the body. Cortez landed more often. Through the first round, it was a kickboxing bout. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Cortez. 

Cortez opened the second frame with a combination. She began to pressure Blanchfield. Cortez changed levels and took Blanchfield down. Blanchfield reversed the position but Cortez quickly got to her feet. They battled for position in the clinch along the cage. They separated midway through the round and Cortez landed a right hand. 

They exchanged kicks to the body and Blanchfield closed the distance and tripped Cortez to the canvas. Blanchfield briefly looked for a head and arm choke. Cortez rolled to her knees and stood. Blanchfield kept the pressure on. Blanchfield scored another takedown but Cortez immediately got back to her feet only to be pulled back to the ground. Blanchfield locked on a rear-naked choke forcing Cortez to tap out.

The official time of the submission was 4:44 mof the second round. Blanchfield became the first fighter to finish Cortez.