Rising Star Ready to Prove Her Skills in High-Stakes Showdown..
Anyone familiar with the regional MMA scene knew it was only a matter of time before Fatima Kline, the unbeaten 23-year-old phenom, would step into the UFC Octagon.
After achieving "Double Champ" status in the Cage Fury Fighting Championships (CFFC) by securing the strawweight title alongside her previously held flyweight belt, Kline was initially set to join Dana White's Contender Series. However, fate had other plans. When Viviane Araujo withdrew, Kline was chosen to replace her against ranked flyweight Jasmine Jasudavicius this Saturday in Denver, bypassing the Contender Series for an immediate UFC debut.
“It’s been crazy,” Kline remarked on her whirlwind week. “I’ve always wanted this; I was ready the second I got the call. I’m super-excited. This has been my dream since I was 10, and now I’m ready to show I belong here.”
Kline, who boasts a perfect 6-0 record and trains alongside flyweight contender Erin Blanchfield, was widely regarded as a top-tier prospect destined for the UFC. Winning titles in two divisions before turning 24 underscored her exceptional talent, further validated by the UFC's decision to pit her against a ranked opponent like Jasudavicius right out of the gate.
“I’m really happy to jump in with some of the best in the world; I believe that’s where I belong,” Kline said confidently. “Skipping the Contender Series and stepping up against the No. 15 fighter at a higher weight class feels like the right path for me. I’m one of the best in the world, and this is my chance to prove it.”
Though new to the UFC spotlight, Kline has already experienced fight week pressures, having cornered Blanchfield in past events. This familiarity has eased her transition into the high-stakes environment.
“My life is kind of based on chaos, so this wasn’t a surprise to me,” Kline admitted. “Getting the call felt like everything I’ve worked for had led to this moment. Being alongside Erin in her fights has prepared me for Saturday night.”
Kline’s immediate goal is to make a significant impact in the flyweight division before eventually moving back to her preferred strawweight class. Confident in her skills and readiness, she aims to make a statement with her performance against Jasudavicius.
“I expect to knock her out and finish her,” Kline said matter-of-factly. “I’ve fought at 125 before, I train with one of the best 125ers on the planet, and I’m ready for this fight.”
Catch every moment of UFC Fight Night: Namajunas vs. Cortez, live from Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, on July 13, 2024. Prelims begin at 7pm ET/4pm PT, followed by the main card at 10pm ET/7pm PT.