NJ’s Katlyn Chookagian Earns Impressive Win at UFC Debut

Lauren Murphy (red gloves) fights against Katlyn Chookagian (blue gloves). (Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports)

New Jersey native Katlyn Chookagian, better known as ‘Blonde Fighter’, earned a majority decision win at her UFC debut Wednesday night at UFC Fight Night 91 at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

After a three-round battle against #13 ranked UFC bantamweight Lauren Murphy, Chookagian defeated Murphy in her first fight in the octagon via unanimous decision (29-28 by all three judges).

Chookagian, 27, remains undefeated in her professional career. She is now 1-0 in the UFC octagon.

In her post-fight octagon interview, Chookagian acknowledged her Renzo Gracie Academy teammates and fellow UFC fighters. “Everyone from my team has been so supportive – we’re like a big family,” Chookagian told UFC commentator Jon Anik. “Frankie Edgar has been helping me since before I even knew I could turn this into a career. I remember I fought on a small amateur card in the middle of a baseball field, Frankie had a fight coming up too and he still took the time to help me get ready. All of those guys – Frankie, Eddie Alvarez, Edson Barboza – they’re like role models to me and they motivate me so much.”

Although the ‘Blonde Fighter’ has earned herself a spot as a part of the UFC women’s bantamweight roster, she seems like the perfect addition to a future 125-division, even title-contender worthy. Previous to her UFC debut, Chookagian was the CFFC Women’s Flyweight Champion.

Both UFC strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejcyyk and former strawweight title challenger Valerie Letourneau tossed in their vote for adding a 125-division. Is now the perfect time to bring the women’s flyweights to the UFC?