Jackie Cataline, a wrestler-turned-MMA fighter since 2022, is ready to use her wrestling skills against boxing specialist Jamie Edenden at Invicta FC 61 in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
Their featherweight fight was initially set for February 7th but was postponed due to Cataline`s medical suspension after a Power Slap competition. Edenden criticized Cataline for the cancellation, suggesting her ego was too big. However, Cataline dismisses Edenden`s challenge to avoid takedowns.
Cataline acknowledges Edenden is trying to build hype for the fight. She sees Edenden`s reluctance to grapple as advantageous, given Cataline`s wrestling expertise. Cataline states that Edenden`s fear of takedowns motivates her further, shifting her goal from just winning to wanting to inflict physical harm on Edenden. This added intensity fuels her preparation.
Cataline`s MMA record is 5-3, including three finishes, most recently a TKO victory over Kelly Ottoni in August. Edenden, with a 5-2-1 record, is seeking her fifth consecutive win since turning professional in 2022.
Cataline emphasizes her plan to dominate the fight through grappling. She describes Edenden`s fighting style as brawling with basic boxing skills, which Cataline sees as ideal for her wrestling approach. Cataline aims to control the fight on the ground, aiming to overwhelm and bloody her opponent, not just have a clean, evenly matched fight.
At 36, Cataline, a mother of four, electrician, and high school wrestling coach, remains active in combat sports. A former Olympic wrestling team member, she intends to continue competing in both MMA with Invicta FC and Power Slap.
Cataline, nearing 37, recognizes her competitive window is limited and doesn`t want to continue fighting into her 40s. She views Power Slap as a strategic business decision, giving her opportunities with Dana White and allowing her to compete in both slapping and fighting, unlike some fighters with restrictive contracts. She plans to participate in both Power Slap and MMA several times this year.
Cataline highlights her extensive wrestling background, including 20 years on the U.S. national and Olympic teams. Despite a demanding life with a full-time job, family, and coaching, she fights for the love of competition, not financial necessity. She plans to maximize her competitive opportunities in the next few years before retiring.
Regarding Power Slap, Cataline defends it, arguing it`s perceived as more dangerous than it is. She believes MMA causes more cumulative damage due to the volume of strikes compared to the fewer, albeit impactful, slaps in Power Slap. She notes that Power Slap`s viral knockouts create a dramatic perception that doesn`t reflect the overall reality of the sport, and personally experiences more physical damage in MMA fights.
Wesley Dunham