Strawweight Showdown: Fatima Kline vs. Melissa Martinez Set for UFC on ESPN 70 Undercard

As UFC on ESPN 70 approaches on July 12, 2025, fight fans look towards Nashville, Tennessee, where the Bridgestone Arena will host a card headlined by heavyweights Derrick Lewis and Tallison Teixeira. While the main event draws significant attention, the undercard features compelling matchups, none more intriguing in the strawweight division than the clash between Fatima Kline and Melissa Martinez. This bout pits two rising talents with nearly identical professional records against each other, promising a competitive and pivotal moment for their careers.

Analyzing the Contenders

Both Kline and Martinez arrive with momentum, holding impressive win-loss tallies that signify their potential in the challenging 115-pound weight class.

Fatima `The Archangel` Kline

Hailing from the United States, 24-year-old Fatima Kline carries a professional record of 7 wins and 1 loss. Representing MK Muay Thai and Silver Fox BJJ from Hyde Park, New York, Kline brings a background rooted in both striking and grappling disciplines. Her most recent performance demonstrated clear progression: a TKO victory via elbows against Victoria Dudakova in January. This finish was not merely a win, but a statement of intent, showcasing her ability to secure a definitive end to a fight in a manner that leaves little doubt. Standing 168 cm tall and weighing in at 52.2 kg, Kline possesses notable physical attributes for the division.

Melissa `Super Mely` Martinez

Across the octagon is Mexico`s Melissa Martinez, known as `Super Mely`. Her professional record stands at 8 wins and 1 loss, a testament to her consistency. Fighting out of Bonebreakers Team, Martinez has a reputation forged in power, with 5 of her 8 victories coming by knockout. This finishing ability makes her a threat in every exchange. However, her recent unanimous decision win over Alice Ardelean also highlighted her ability to navigate a full fight, showcasing endurance and tactical skill. At 157 cm and 52.2 kg, Martinez may give up some reach to Kline, but she compensates with proven knockout power and ring experience.

The Matchup: A Study in Styles and Records

The statistical symmetry between these two fighters (7-1 vs. 8-1) is compelling, but the potential stylistic differences are what make this fight a must-watch. Kline`s background suggests a well-rounded approach, capable of mixing striking and grappling effectively, as indicated by her training camps. Martinez, while capable of going the distance, has a clear preference and proven success in landing fight-ending blows. This bout could become a strategic chess match on the feet, testing Kline`s technical striking defense against Martinez`s formidable power. Alternatively, Kline might look to utilize her BJJ background to disrupt Martinez`s rhythm and take the fight to the ground. For both women, this undercard placement offers a significant platform to demonstrate their readiness for higher-ranked competition. A win here is not just another notch on the record; it`s a potential springboard into the strawweight top 15 conversation.

Event Schedule and Viewing Information

UFC on ESPN 70 takes place on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. The main card broadcast is scheduled to commence at 6:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST). As an undercard bout, the specific start time for the Fatima Kline vs. Melissa Martinez fight will depend on the pace and duration of the preceding preliminary fights. Fighters typically make their walk to the octagon once the bout before them concludes.

For viewers in different time zones, here are the main card start times:

In the United States, fans can catch all the action, including the Fatima Kline vs Melissa Martinez bout, live on ESPN+.

With both fighters eager to prove their mettle and advance their careers, the strawweight contest between Fatima Kline and Melissa Martinez is poised to be a highlight of the UFC on ESPN 70 undercard. Expect intensity and skill as these two promising athletes step into the octagon.