Every champion in the history of MMA had to start somewhere. The journey to the top begins long before fighters step into the Octagon or the Bellator or PFL cage. Modern-era fighters make their way up through the regional ranks, hoping to achieve the highest accolades in the sport. Many will try, but only a few will succeed. This month, we highlight five fighters who are on the verge of achieving major promotion notoriety, including one who is making a return for the second time. While there are dozens of fighters close to making the jump in the coming weeks, these five individuals stand out as particularly exemplary.
Erin Blanchfield’s main training partner, who shares her major UFC aspirations, continues down a similar path.
A rising Brazilian fighter returns to the cage after a two-year hiatus, following a victory on Dana White’s Contender Series, hoping to catch the attention of the UFC CEO.
A flyweight from California aims to successfully defend his LFA title for the first time and earn a ticket to the UFC.
One of the top pound-for-pound fighters on the Australia-New Zealand regional scene seeks to add another name to his resume and generate a call from the UFC afterwards.
A fighter based in New England, who has appeared on both “The Ultimate Fighter” and Dana White’s Contender Series, angles to prove that he is finally ready for the UFC.
Fatima Kline
Fatima Kline def. Natalia Kuziutina Invicta FC 52
Record: 4-0
Age: 23
Weight class: Strawweight
Height: 5’6″
Birthplace: Holbrook, New York
Next Fight: Friday vs. Sara Cova (5-3) at CFFC 127 in Tunica, Mississippi (UFC Fight Pass)
Background: Fatima Kline’s interest in fighting began at a young age when her mother enrolled her in jiu-jitsu classes for self-defense. She quickly developed a passion for combat sports and transitioned to kickboxing, wrestling, and boxing by the age of 14. At just 16 years old, Kline had already set her sights on a career in professional fighting. Despite her young age, she competed in grappling competitions against adult opponents and consistently came out on top. In May 2021, at the age of 20, Kline made her professional debut. With four wins under her belt in Invicta FC, she is now positioned for a major title opportunity under the CFFC banner.
The skinny: For those unfamiliar, Kline is the main training partner of UFC flyweight contender Erin Blanchfield. The two have been training together for approximately four years, under the guidance of Augie Matias at MK Muay Thai. While their training circle may be small, it has proven to be very effective. Blanchfield’s rapid ascent in the UFC has been impressive, and Kline shows similar promise, particularly in her grappling skills, as evidenced by her undefeated record. Kline’s main challenge so far has been finding willing opponents, but with one more fight under her belt, she should be a top priority for the UFC. Her skill level and versatility make her a valuable addition to the strawweight division.
In her own words: “I’ve had the privilege of being in Erin’s corner twice now. I’ve witnessed firsthand everything that goes into big fights. I’ve been alongside her during her fight camps and have seen how she handles the pressure of being a top-five contender. It has been a tremendous learning experience for me. Training with someone as talented and skilled as Erin – one of the best in the world – has elevated my training and boosted my confidence. I am incredibly grateful to have her as a training partner.”
“…I can feel that I am getting closer to the UFC now, and I know that there are a lot of eyes on me. I believe in my skills and I know that I am here for a reason – to shine. I am excited for the opportunity to showcase my abilities. After this fight, I definitely see myself making the jump to the UFC. Winning a regional title, along with looking for a finish, will definitely accelerate my journey. If I have to defend the title once or twice, I am more than willing to do so. I will fight anyone to get where I want and need to be. I am confident in my skill level and I believe I can compete with the best in the world. I just need more fights to prove it. And I think I have what it takes. If the UFC calls me two weeks after this fight, I would gladly accept the opportunity.”
“…Right now, in the strawweight division, there is a lack of fighters who are good at everything. That is one of my strengths – I am not just a grappler, I am also a striker. I can do it all. I believe that would give me a significant advantage in the strawweight division.”
Pedro Falcão
Record: 15-3
Age: 31
Weight class: Bantamweight
Height: 5’6″
Birthplace: Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil
Next Fight: Nov. 12 vs. Leonardo Morales (13-8) at Tuff-N-Uff 134 in Las Vegas (UFC Fight Pass)
Background: Pedro Falcão began training in jiu-jitsu at the age of 9 and quickly found success in various tournaments. At 18, he made his MMA debut against a much older opponent but fell in love with the challenge and the sense of accomplishment that came with it. Falcão was introduced to Nova Uniao coach Andre Pederneiras through pro MMA fighter Roberto Amorim, which led him to relocate to Rio de Janeiro to train under Pederneiras, the legendary coach of Jose Aldo. For the past 14 years, Falcão has been working tirelessly to fulfill his dream of competing in the UFC. In 2021, he came close when he scored a third-round TKO victory on Dana White’s Contender Series. Unfortunately, he was not offered a contract at that time. Over the past two years, Falcão has battled injuries and explored boxing, but he is now ready to make his return.
The skinny: When a fighter wins on DWCS but doesn’t receive a UFC contract, they are usually on the shortlist for short-notice opportunities. However, due to his injuries, Falcão has not had the chance to seize that opportunity. Perhaps he has slipped off the radar of UFC matchmakers, but a win over a UFC veteran will quickly remind them of his readiness to make the leap. Falcão now trains at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, which will undoubtedly benefit his skills and increase his chances of receiving that last-minute call-up. Falcão is a seasoned veteran with a knack for finishing fights, often in the early rounds. In the prime of his career, his only loss since 2015 came as a result of a shoulder injury. There is no downside to signing Falcão, and I fully expect him to be on the UFC roster within the next six months.
In his own words: “What sets me apart from most fighters is my adaptability. I can fight my opponents in any area they are weak. If they prefer striking, I can wrestle. If they prefer wrestling, I can submit. If they prefer grappling, I can out-strike them. I am constantly improving my skill set so that I can dictate where the fight goes.”
“…With a record of 15-3 and no losses since 2015, I am continually working on improving myself. I know that not only can I compete at a high level in the UFC, but I can also win. I believe I can compete with the top 15 fighters in the UFC right now. … After my win on Contender, I was very close to the UFC. Unfortunately, some injuries prevented me from capitalizing on that victory. I believe that winning the main event at Tuff-N-Uff, a major promotion in Las Vegas, will establish me once again as the best unsigned bantamweight in the world.”
This interview was conducted with the assistance of a Portuguese translator and has been edited for spelling and grammar.
Sarah Foster is your guide to the world of Mixed Martial Arts. With a deep understanding of MMA’s intricacies and a passion for the sport, she offers comprehensive coverage of MMA events, fighter profiles, and in-depth analysis of fights. Sarah’s commitment to the octagon ensures that readers stay engaged with the latest developments in the MMA world.
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