The strawweight division is set to feature an intriguing clash as Fatima Kline prepares to face Melissa Martinez. This bout is scheduled to take place on the undercard of the anticipated UFC on ESPN 70 event, headlined by Derrick Lewis vs. Tallison Teixeira.
The Setting: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville
Nashville, Tennessee, known for its vibrant culture and music scene, will play host to high-stakes mixed martial arts action on July 12, 2025, at the Bridgestone Arena. The event promises a full night of fights, with the Kline vs. Martinez matchup highlighting the competitive depth of the strawweight ranks.
Analyzing the Combatants
Both Kline and Martinez enter this contest with impressive professional records, marking them as prospects to watch in the 115-pound division.
Fatima Kline: `The Archangel`
Representing Hyde Park, New York, the 24-year-old Fatima Kline brings a record of 7 wins and 1 loss. Training out of MK Muay Thai and Silver Fox BJJ, she showcased her finishing ability in her last outing, securing a TKO victory via elbows against Victoria Dudakova in January. Standing at 168 cm with a fighting weight of 52.2 kg, `The Archangel` has demonstrated formidable striking capabilities, suggesting a potential advantage in stand-up exchanges. Her last performance indicates a readiness to engage and finish fights decisively.
Melissa Martinez: `Super Mely`
Hailing from Mexico City and fighting under the Bonebreakers Team banner, Melissa Martinez holds a professional record of 8 wins and 1 loss. Notably, five of her victories have come by knockout, underscoring her significant power for the strawweight division. Her most recent performance was a unanimous decision win over Alice Ardelean, demonstrating her ability to navigate tough fights and go the distance when necessary. At 157 cm tall and also weighing in at 52.2 kg, `Super Mely` gives up some reach but possesses the proven power to end a fight swiftly, making her a dangerous opponent for anyone.
The statistical comparison reveals a height disparity, with Kline having a notable advantage. However, Martinez`s knockout ratio highlights her ability to overcome physical differences with impactful striking power.
Event Timing and How to Watch
The UFC on ESPN 70 event is scheduled to commence at 6:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) with the main card broadcast. As an undercard bout, the specific start time for the Kline vs. Martinez fight will depend on the duration of the preceding fights. Fans should anticipate potential variations from the initial schedule.
For viewers across different time zones, please consult the table below for approximate main card start times:
| Region | Date | Approx. Main Card Start Time |
|---|---|---|
| USA and Canada (EST) | Saturday, July 12, 2025 | 06:00 PM |
| USA and Canada (PT) | Saturday, July 12, 2025 | 03:00 PM |
| UK and Ireland (GMT) | Saturday, July 12, 2025 | 10:00 PM |
| Australia (AEDT) | Sunday, July 13, 2025 | 09:00 AM |
In the United States, the event, including the Fatima Kline vs. Melissa Martinez bout, will be available for streaming exclusively on ESPN+.
The Full Card
Kline vs. Martinez is one of several compelling matchups leading up to the heavyweight main event between Derrick Lewis and Tallison Teixeira. The full card features a mix of established veterans and rising contenders across various divisions:
- Derrick Lewis vs Tallison Teixeira
- Stephen Thompson vs Gabriel Bonfim
- Calvin Kattar vs Steve Garcia
- Nate Landwehr vs Morgan Charriere
- Vitor Petrino vs Austen Lane
- Junior Tafa vs George Tokkos
- Max Griffin vs Chris Curtis
- Jake Matthews vs Chidi Njokuani
- Lauren Murphy vs Eduarda Moura
- Kennedy Nzechukwu vs Valter Walker
- Mitch Ramirez vs Mike Davis
- Fatima Kline vs Melissa Martinez
This strawweight pairing on the undercard pits two talented fighters with similar records against each other, each looking to build momentum and climb towards divisional relevance. With Kline`s recent TKO and Martinez`s proven knockout power, this fight has the potential to be a technical yet explosive encounter. Predicting outcomes in mixed martial arts is often a fool`s errand, but this matchup promises strategic depth and potential fireworks as both women aim to secure their next victory in the competitive landscape of the UFC strawweight division.
Tristan Blackwood