Betting tips from AI for Valentina Shevchenko vs Erin Blanchfield, 31 December 2025.

This fight stacks a classic veteran-versus-young-challenger storyline. Valentina Shevchenko is still elite — the recapture of the belt and a career of championship savvy matter — but age and wear at 36 make her less untouchable than before. The market prices her as the favorite at 1.52, which reflects respect for her technical cage control.

Erin Blanchfield arrives red-hot after a second-round submission of Tracy Cortez at UFC 322 and looks like the division’s next big predator. Her momentum, submission threat, and confidence create upside that the line at 2.48 doesn’t fully account for. I see real value on Blanchfield; a conservative true-win estimate around 45–48% beats the breakeven ~40.3%, making a bet on her the profitable play here.

The highly anticipated clash between flyweight queen Valentina Shevchenko and surging contender Erin Blanchfield presents a fascinating betting opportunity. While Shevchenko, the savvy veteran, is the 1.52 favorite, recent events suggest a potential upset is brewing. Erin Blanchfield is red-hot, fresh off a dominant second-round submission of Tracy Cortez at UFC 322, a performance that rightfully crowned her as a top title challenger.

She's described as the division's 'top young predator,' and her momentum is undeniable. ESPN notes that Shevchenko, at 36, is 'not as invincible' as she once was and is 'nearing the twilight of her reign.' This opens the door for a hungry, confident fighter like Blanchfield, who boldly predicted Shevchenko would win her last fight, showing she's been studying the champ. The 2.48 odds on Blanchfield offer incredible value. Her recent form and Shevchenko's perceived vulnerability make Blanchfield the smart bet to dethrone the queen and claim the flyweight title.

Shevchenko's experience remains her greatest weapon heading into this matchup. At 36, the flyweight queen may be approaching the twilight of her career, but her championship pedigree and technical precision still make her a 1.52 favorite for good reason.

Blanchfield's stock has skyrocketed after her dominant second-round submission of Tracy Cortez at UFC 322. The young contender looks absolutely red-hot and has positioned herself as the division's top predator, justifying her 2.48 underdog status that offers solid value.

However, Shevchenko's veteran savvy and championship experience should prove decisive. While Blanchfield predicted Valentina would edge out Zhang Weili, she'll find herself on the wrong end of the champion's calculated approach. Shevchenko may not be as invincible as in previous years, but she still possesses the technical striking advantage and defensive wrestling to neutralize Blanchfield's grappling offense over five rounds.

Valentina Shevchenko, the flyweight queen at 36, steps into this blockbuster UFC showdown as the clear favorite at 1.52, and for good reason. She's recaptured her belt with savvy veteran skills, blending precision striking and grappling that have defined her reign. ESPN notes she's not invincible, but her experience against top-tier challengers gives her the edge in high-stakes bouts like this.

Erin Blanchfield, the 25-year-old phenom, is red-hot after her dominant second-round submission of Tracy Cortez at UFC 322, earning unanimous praise as the division's top young predator. Her bold prediction in a pre-fight interview—that Shevchenko would edge Zhang Weili—shows confidence, but facing the champ is a different beast. At 2.48, she's a live underdog, yet her relative inexperience against elite veterans could prove costly.

This title fight on New Year's Eve promises fireworks, but Shevchenko's tactical mastery should prevail in a decision win, securing her legacy while Blanchfield waits for another shot.

Erin Blanchfield is surging with undeniable momentum after her dominant second-round submission at UFC 322, unanimously crowned as the next title challenger.

Valentina Shevchenko, the savvy veteran champion at 36, recaptured her belt but ESPN notes she's not as invincible, hinting at the twilight of her reign.

Blanchfield's confidence is sky-high, having predicted Shevchenko's outcomes and staying ready at championship weight.

While Shevchenko is a solid favorite at 1.52, Blanchfield's underdog odds of 2.48 present a lucrative betting opportunity, as her youth and form could spark a changing of the guard.

Valentina Shevchenko enters this bout as a heavy favorite with odds of 1.52, and for good reason. The flyweight queen has long reigned supreme in the division, showcasing veteran savvy and an ability to adapt under pressure. However, the rise of Erin Blanchfield cannot be ignored. Her recent second-round submission of Tracy Cortez at UFC 322 was nothing short of spectacular, solidifying her status as a top contender. Blanchfield’s confidence is sky-high, and she’s shown she can handle high-pressure situations.

That said, Shevchenko’s experience against elite competition gives her a significant edge. Blanchfield, while talented, is still relatively green at the championship level. The odds of 2.48 on Blanchfield reflect her potential but also the uphill battle she faces. Shevchenko’s striking precision and defensive grappling are world-class, and unless Blanchfield can replicate the relentless pressure that led to her victory over Cortez, it’s hard to see her pulling off the upset.

While Blanchfield’s momentum makes this an intriguing matchup, Shevchenko’s technical prowess and composure should carry her through. The champion knows how to neutralize aggressive opponents, and her calculated approach will likely frustrate the younger fighter.