Erin Blanchfield Gets Paid Without Fighting at UFC Vegas 107: The Silver Lining to a Canceled Bout

The fight game can be cruel sometimes. Fighters spend weeks preparing their bodies and minds for battle, only to have it all fall apart at the last minute. That’s exactly what happened to Erin Blanchfield at UFC Vegas 107 this weekend – but there’s a twist to this story that might make fight fans smile.

Despite not getting to showcase her skills in the octagon, “Cold Blooded” Blanchfield is walking away with her show money. It’s a small consolation prize, but in a sport where “no fight, no pay” is often the harsh reality, it’s significant.

What Happened to Erin Blanchfield’s Fight at UFC Vegas 107?

Blanchfield was set to face off against Natalia Silva in what promised to be an exciting flyweight clash. The New Jersey native had been putting in serious work at the gym, looking to bounce back from her first UFC loss to Manon Fiorot back in March.

But sometimes MMA throws you curveballs. Silva was forced to withdraw from the bout just days before the event due to illness, leaving Blanchfield without an opponent. With such short notice, the UFC couldn’t secure a replacement fighter, and just like that – months of preparation went down the drain.

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The Financial Reality of Canceled Fights

Here’s something casual fans might not realize – fighters often go without pay when bouts fall through. Their entire income structure revolves around actually stepping into the cage. No fight usually means no show money, no win bonus, and no sponsorship exposure.

That’s what makes this situation noteworthy. The UFC has chosen to honor Blanchfield’s show money despite the cancellation being out of her control. It’s a gesture that acknowledges the significant investment fighters make in training camps.

I’ve seen too many fighters go broke after last-minute cancellations, so it’s refreshing to see the promotion doing right by one of their rising stars.

The Financial Breakdown of a UFC Fighter’s Paycheck

What This Means for Blanchfield’s Career Trajectory

Currently ranked #3 in the women’s flyweight division, Blanchfield was looking to cement her position as a title contender. This cancellation puts her career momentum on pause, but at least it won’t leave her financially devastated.

The 25-year-old phenom has time on her side. With a professional record of 12-2, Blanchfield has already proven she belongs among the elite. Her grappling-heavy style has earned her the respect of fans and fellow fighters alike.

You have to wonder what’s next for her. Will the UFC reschedule the Silva fight? Or might they look to book her against another top contender? Either way, Blanchfield’s title aspirations remain very much alive.

The Silver Lining: Rest, Recovery, and Reflection

Sometimes the universe works in mysterious ways. While missing a fight is never ideal, this unexpected break gives Blanchfield a chance to rest her body and sharpen her skills without the pressure of an immediate fight.

Fighting is as much mental as it is physical. This extra time could allow Blanchfield to refine her game plan and come back even stronger in her next outing. And hey, getting paid while doing so isn’t too shabby!

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When Will We See Erin Blanchfield Fight Again?

The million-dollar question fans are asking: when will “Cold Blooded” return to the octagon? While nothing has been officially announced, I’d expect to see her back in action before the end of the year.

The women’s flyweight division is heating up, and Blanchfield remains one of its brightest stars. Her technical grappling and improving striking make her a threat to anyone in the division – including champion Alexa Grasso.

If I were to place a bet, I’d say we’ll see Blanchfield rebooked within the next 8-10 weeks. The UFC typically tries to get fighters who miss bouts due to cancellations back in the mix as soon as reasonably possible.

The Takeaway: Sometimes Not Fighting Is the Right Move

While fans (myself included) are disappointed not to see Blanchfield compete this weekend, there’s wisdom in how this situation played out. Finding a last-minute replacement often leads to mismatched bouts that do little for a fighter’s career trajectory.

By taking her show money and living to fight another day, Blanchfield maintains her ranking and can return when a proper matchup materializes. In the chaotic world of MMA, sometimes the smartest move is patience.

For New Jersey’s finest, this is just a minor detour on what promises to be an exciting journey toward UFC gold. And I, for one, can’t wait to see what happens next.

What do you think about Blanchfield’s situation? Should the UFC always pay fighters when bouts are canceled last-minute? Let me know in the comments below!

Source: UFC Vegas 107 Official Communications