the pace was measured, and the finish came after a clear momentum shift rather than constant drama. It was a very good fight, just not an all-out war.

Analysis & Rating

Rating: 6/10

Why 6/10:

The fight had solid moments — the striking in Round 1 was clean, and Blanchfield’s grappling in Round 2 was sharp. But it wasn’t a non-stop firefight:

Records After the Fight

Erin Blanchfield: improved to 14-2 overall MMA. She is still ranked # 4 in her division. She might get a title shot next?

Tracy Cortez: moved to 12-3 after the loss. She is still ranked # 8.

In Round 2, Cortez scored a takedown, but Blanchfield reversed it. She then transitioned, secured Cortez’s back, and locked in the choke to force the tap.

The win was especially meaningful for Blanchfield — she avenged a loss to Cortez from their first fight under the Invicta FC banner in 2019.

He is Ranked # 106th as the best MMA fighter in the featherweight division.

Malcolm Wellmaker loses for the first time in the UFC Octagon. He is 10-1-0 overall. He is Ranked # 47 In the Bantam division.

It wasn’t a nonstop firefight, but it had enough momentum shifts and meaningful exchanges to keep fans engaged.

Ethyn Ewing won his first fight in the UFC. He is 1-0 and has a record of 9-2 overall.

Rating & Analysis

Fight Rating: 8/10 — This was a very good fight.

Why 8/10: The action was back-and-forth, there was drama (short-notice debut, upset), and Ewing showed excellent composure, mixing his striking, clinch work, and takedowns.

Round 3 saw Ewing continue to dominate. He defended takedown attempts, landed a devastating knee in the clinch, and secured a takedown with under a minute left. From there, he controlled until the final horn.

In Round 2, Ewing sharpened his striking — slipping, countering, and landing a clean head kick. He mixed punches and kicks to keep Wellmaker off-balance. Wellmaker landed a few body shots, but Ewing’s volume and timing began to swing momentum his way.

From the opening bell, Ewing pressed forward aggressively. In Round 1, Wellmaker landed a solid counter left hook, but Ewing recovered, mixed in a takedown, and ended the round strong with knees in the clinch.

That is true! I hope he doesn't though

Matchup to Watch

Offensive production from leaders: For Toronto, William Nylander is a major contributor (25 points this season) and will be crucial. Chicago’s young star Connor Bedard (10 goals, 16 assists) needs to continue driving their attack.

At home, they’ll have the crowd behind them and the advantage of facing a Leafs team that’s struggling to find consistent form.

They’re entering this game on a four-game losing streak.

Key injuries / lineup concerns: Auston Matthews is out. Stolarz is injured too.