Jackie Cataline, a wrestler who transitioned to mixed martial arts in 2022, is set to compete at Invicta FC 61 in Shawnee, Oklahoma, against boxing specialist Jamie Edenden. Cataline emphasizes that she won`t abandon her wrestling expertise to satisfy Edenden`s fighting preferences.
Their initial bout was scheduled for February 7th but was postponed due to a medical suspension Cataline received after a Power Slap event. Edenden expressed her frustration over the cancellation, suggesting Cataline was overconfident. However, Cataline dismisses Edenden`s attempt to dictate the fight`s terms, particularly the challenge to avoid takedowns.
“It`s clear she’s trying to build hype, which is fine,” Cataline commented in an interview. “But honestly, her reluctance to grapple with me plays right into my hands. Ground fighting is my strength. I haven’t faced an opponent I couldn`t take down, and her fear of that is obvious. So, her trash talk just motivates me more to take her down and inflict damage. Now, my goal isn`t just to win; I genuinely want to hurt her. It’s great motivation.”
Cataline`s MMA record stands at 5-3, including a TKO victory over Kelly Ottoni in August. Edenden, with a 5-2-1 record, is on a four-fight winning streak since turning professional in 2022.
“She wants a stand-up fight, a brawl,” Cataline explained. “She’s an aggressive striker who comes forward and throws punches, maybe not with the most refined boxing technique, but she’s constantly advancing. That’s ideal for a wrestler like me. My aim in every fight is to dominate – take them down, inflict damage, and leave them looking battered. I don’t aim for a pretty fight; I want to leave my opponent in rough shape.”
At 36, Cataline balances her MMA career with roles as an electrician, high school wrestling coach, and mother of four. A former member of the U.S. Olympic wrestling team, she remains committed to combat sports, competing in both Invicta FC and Power Slap.
“I`m turning 37 this year, so my competitive window is limited,” Cataline admitted. “I don’t see myself doing this at 45 [laughs]. Power Slap, for me, was a strategic business decision. It opened doors, and now Dana White is essentially my boss. My contract allows me to compete in both fighting and Power Slap, unlike many others. I intend to stay active, aiming for three to four Power Slap events and three to four MMA fights this year.”
Reflecting on her extensive wrestling background, Cataline stated, “I competed for the U.S. national and Olympic wrestling team for about 20 years. But I also have a full-time job as an electrician, plus a busy family life with four kids and coaching wrestling. I don’t need to fight for money; I do it because I love to compete and challenge myself. I want to maximize my competitive opportunities in the next few years before retiring.”
Regarding Power Slap, Cataline defends its safety, arguing, “I don’t believe it’s more dangerous than MMA. In MMA, you absorb hundreds of strikes in a fight, whereas in Power Slap, it’s just a few slaps. I’ve experienced more facial damage from MMA fights. The viral knockouts in Power Slap create a sensationalized perception of danger, but the actual damage is often less than in a full MMA fight.”
