"Pat Barry is a terrible coach" - Controversy erupts online over Rose Namajunas' defeat to Erin Blanchfield at UFC Edmonton

Erin Blanchfield secured a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Rose Namajunas in the co-main event of UFC Edmonton. The judges scored the bout 48-47 unanimously in Blanchfield’s favor as she bounced back from the loss to Manon Fiorot in March.

The opening round saw Namajunas taking control with sharp jabs, keeping Blanchfield on the outside and unable to initiate her wrestling game. Blanchfield struggled to close the distance, hesitating on entries while Namajunas maintained her rhythm, landing clean shots that earned her the round.

The second round mirrored the first as Blanchfield continued to advance but struggled with Namajunas’ counters. While Blanchfield managed a brief clinch, Namajunas relied on the fence to maintain control that kept herself from being taken down.

Facing a two-round deficit, Blanchfield shifted gears in the third, pressing forward and eventually scoring a takedown. She controlled Namajunas from top position, landing consistent ground strikes. While 'Thug' effectively tied her up to stall on several occasions, Blanchfield’s persistence won her the round.

The fourth round saw Blanchfield amplifying the pressure, with both women exchanging in the pocket. Blanchfield’s intensity slightly edged out Namajunas in the fourth, ensuring that it was 2-2 leading up to the final round. In the fifth, Blanchfield's determined takedowns and attempts to secure a crucifix seemingly sealed the fight.

Several fans and fighters took to X to react to the fight. UFC women's flyweight contender Maycee Barber was impressed by Namajunas' display in the initial rounds. She wrote:

"Rose is on fire. Blanchfield is getting cooked @ufc #UFCEdmonton"

UFC lightweight contender Terrance McKinney wrote:

"Good call... Huge Rose fan but Blanchfield's pace was too much."

Meanwhile, other fans criticized Namajunas' fiance and training partner Pat Barry for his alleged incompetency in suggesting adjustments. They wrote:

"All I know is Pat Barry is a terrible coach. He's making Rose worse and the corner advice is never helpful."

"Pat Barry’s insecurities have ended Rose Namajunas’ MMA career."

"Me hearing Pat Barry give Rose instructions from the corner."

Check out some of the reactions below:

MMA community reacts to Erin Blanchfield's win against Rose Namajunas. [Images courtesy: X]