EDMONTON — Following a night of electrifying finishes that electrified the Canadian combat sports scene, UFC Edmonton will go down in history as a milestone event for the nation’s rising MMA stars. From Mike Malott’s explosive knockout of Joaquin Buckley to a career-defining performance of her own, Canadian standout Jasmine Jasudavicius walked away from Rogers Place feeling that Saturday night truly was an unreal experience for everyone involved.
Speaking with media outlets backstage, including Cageside Press, Jasudavicius (16-4) reflected on her impressive victory over top contender Erin Blanchfield. The triumph not only cemented her status as a legitimate elite force in the women’s flyweight division but also sent a resounding message to the rest of the roster.
"It was great for me to get in there and prove how good of a grappler I am. I’m the best women’s grappler in the division," Jasudavicius said backstage at Rogers Place. "Honestly, I’m going to say, in the world. Just saying."
Heading into the matchup, Blanchfield was ranked a couple of spots ahead of the Canadian standout—a pecking order that is all but guaranteed to shift following Saturday’s results. The American contender had been actively campaigning for a title shot, a sentiment shared by many top athletes striving for the division’s crown. Blanchfield also entered the Octagon as the betting favorite, a factor that Jasudavicius believes may have led to a dangerous level of overconfidence on her opponent’s part.
"I do think that she did underestimate me. She’s obviously a talented grappler, but I’m big, I’m strong, I’m really good at grappling," Jasudavicius noted, breaking down the tactical advantages she brought into the cage.
The timing of the victory could not be more advantageous for the Canadian fighter. The Ultimate Fighting Championship has officially announced its return to Toronto for January, featuring a major numbered event at the Scotiabank Arena to kick off the promotion’s 2027 calendar. Given the massive surge in popularity the sport is experiencing across Canada, booking a high-stakes title fight featuring a homegrown contender would undeniably create a monumental spectacle.
Jasudavicius did little to hide her enthusiasm when the prospect of a championship showdown on home soil was brought up during her media availability.
"I’m looking forward to it. How sick would that be? Title fight in Toronto, baby. Woohoo!" Jasudavicius exclaimed on Saturday, letting out a cheer that encapsulated the excitement of the moment.
Expanding on her championship aspirations, she pointed out the current landscape of the division. "The division is completely open, and I think that puts me right in that spot."
Should a title opportunity materialize, it could also feature a compelling narrative arc against the current champion, Valentina Silva. Jasudavicius and Silva have shared the Octagon once before, meeting during Jasudavicius’s sophomore appearance in the UFC. While that early career bout did not end in her favor, the history shared between the two competitors provides a readymade storyline for a championship rematch.
"We have some history, so that would be a pretty epic story," Jasudavicius remarked regarding a potential future clash with the champion.
UFC CEO Dana White, speaking with Cageside Press on Saturday evening, acknowledged that the timing and manner of Jasudavicius’s victory certainly strengthen her argument for a championship opportunity. The fighter herself is visibly energized by the momentum and the palpable enthusiasm of Canadian MMA fans.
"I feel like the UFC is really growing in Canada. You hear the crowd. Was that not unreal out there, right?" Jasudavicius asked reporters. "Imagine that, in Toronto, me with a title fight, that would be an awesome story."
The evolution of Jasmine Jasudavicius within the world’s premier MMA organization has been a fascinating journey for fans and analysts alike. Early in her tenure with the promotion, the Canadian fighter was often characterized by a more carefree attitude, famously describing her mindset at the time as being "here for a good time, not a long time." However, those days are firmly in the rearview mirror. Today, her mindset is entirely focused on championship gold and legacy.
"I’m here for a purpose. I’m not just here to enjoy some fights, just kind of see—I’m trying to become the best in the world. That is my purpose," she stated firmly. "Every single day when I’m in the gym, that’s my purpose. I’m not just doing a technique to do a technique. I’m focused."
That unwavering dedication involves meticulous preparation designed to peak precisely when the lights are brightest and the stakes are highest. For Jasudavicius, the arduous training sessions behind closed doors are all about building the tools necessary to perform on the sport’s biggest stages.
"I’m doing everything in order to be the best I can possibly be when it counts, when it matters. And tonight it mattered, and tonight I’m glad I was able to show that I have the ability to be the best in the world," she concluded.
