Get ready, fight fans. The Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, is set to host UFC on ESPN 70 on Saturday, July 12, 2025. While the heavyweight main event between Derrick Lewis and Tallison Teixeira understandably grabs headlines, dedicated followers of the strawweight division have their eyes on a compelling undercard bout: Fatima Kline taking on Melissa Martinez.
This isn`t just another preliminary fight; it`s a clash between two rising contenders with remarkably similar professional trajectories. Fatima `The Archangel` Kline, representing the United States, enters the octagon with an impressive 7 wins to her name, having recently secured a TKO victory over Russia`s Victoria Dudakova. Across from her stands Mexico City`s own Melissa `Super Mely` Martinez, boasting an equally solid record of 8 victories. Her last outing saw her claim a unanimous decision against Romania`s Alice Ardelean. With both fighters holding just a single professional loss, this matchup presents a crucial step up in competition and a chance to significantly elevate their standing in the always-competitive strawweight ranks.
Analyzing their basic statistics reveals some intriguing points. Both weigh in at the strawweight standard of 52.2 kg. However, Kline possesses a noticeable reach and height advantage at 168 cm compared to Martinez`s 157 cm. While record comparison suggests Kline`s striking prowess might be a key factor, Martinez`s experience, with one more professional fight, shouldn`t be underestimated. This promises a strategic battle where size, skill, and octagon IQ will be put to the test.
The UFC on ESPN 70 event is scheduled to kick off its main card action at 06:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Saturday, July 12, 2025. As an undercard bout, the exact walk-out time for Kline vs Martinez can fluctuate depending on how the preceding fights unfold. While the preliminary card often starts earlier, this particular strawweight clash is currently slated as part of the main card portion, meaning fans tuning in at the 6:00 PM EST mark should be in position to catch the action relatively early in the evening.
For viewers in the United States, the primary broadcast home for UFC on ESPN 70, including the Kline vs Martinez bout, is ESPN+. Fans should consult local listings or the official ESPN+ schedule closer to the date for the most precise timing specific to their region. Navigating global time zones for live sports can sometimes feel like a puzzle designed by a sadistic programmer, so double-checking is always advisable.
Set within a fight card headlined by heavy hitters and featuring several other compelling matchups across various divisions, the Fatima Kline vs Melissa Martinez strawweight encounter is a hidden gem on the UFC on ESPN 70 lineup. It pits two talented athletes with impressive records against each other, each hungry to prove they belong among the elite. Don`t miss this opportunity to see who takes the next step forward in the strawweight division when the fists start flying in Nashville.
