MMA Match Preview: Fatima Kline (7-1) vs. Melissa Martinez (8-1)

The Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee hosts a compelling clash in the women’s strawweight division as rising grappling phenom Fatima “The Archangel” Kline (7–1) takes on dynamic striker Melissa “Super Mely” Martinez (8–1) at UFC 317. Both fighters are coming off impressive wins and look to break into the top 15 rankings with a statement performance.

Fight Details

Event	Info
Date	Saturday, July 12, 2025
Location	Bridgestone Arena, Nashville
Time	Prelims ~6:00 PM ET
Broadcast	ESPN+ / UFC Fight Pass
Weight Class	Strawweight (115 lbs)
Rounds	3

Fighter Breakdown

🇺🇸 Fatima Kline

Age: 24

Height/Reach: 5’6″ / 67″

Stance: Orthodox

Record: 7–1 (3 KO, 1 SUB)

Team: Silver Fox BJJ

Recent Form: TKO win over Viktoriia Dudakova (Jan 2025)

Strengths: Elite grappling, top control, clinch pressure, improving striking

UFC Stats: 1.84 takedowns per fight, 90% takedown accuracy, 47% striking accuracy

🇲🇽 Melissa Martinez

Age: 27

Height/Reach: 5’2″ / 66″

Stance: Southpaw

Record: 8–1 (5 KO)

Team: Bonebreakers MMA

Recent Form: UD win over Alice Ardelean (Oct 2024)

Strengths: Kickboxing pedigree, footwork, striking volume

UFC Stats: 3.90 significant strikes per minute, 52% striking accuracy

Tale of the Tape

Attribute	Kline	Martinez
Height	5’6″	5’2″
Reach	67″	66″
Striking Accuracy	47%	52%
Takedown Accuracy	90%	50%
Takedown Defense	50%	25%
UFC Record	1–1	1–1

Key Storylines

Grappler vs Striker: Kline’s submission and ground-and-pound arsenal vs Martinez’s elite kickboxing and movement.

Momentum Battle: Both fighters rebounded from debut losses and now seek a second straight UFC win.

Octagon Control: Kline excels in clinch and cage pressure; Martinez thrives in open space and range striking.

Championship Pedigree: Martinez is a six-time national kickboxing champion and WAKO World gold medalist.