By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD — Klinton “Kamikaze” Whitmire, 33, a proud Pima High School graduate and 10-year U.S. Army combat engineer veteran, is on the verge of becoming another top MMA fighter out of Graham County.
While Safford native Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje will fight for the UFC Lightweight Championship on the historic UFC Freedom 250 card at the White House on Sunday, June 14, Whitmire will look to end his amateur career unbeaten the day before and follow Gaethje’s example into the professional ranks.
The former wrestler returns to the cage Saturday, June 13, at the Pan American Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico, for the inaugural Empire Championship Series middleweight title at 185 pounds. Whitmire (4-0 amateur) faces Jacob Snoeyink in the main event of a card expected to draw more than 3,000 fans, with UFC scouts in attendance. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster.
Whitmire was born in Tucson but grew up in Pima from preschool through high school, graduating in 2010. He wrestled for legendary coach Digger O’Dell from fifth grade through his senior season, qualifying for the state tournament and finishing second in 2010. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army, serving eight years on active duty and two in the reserves as a combat engineer. He moved back to Safford two years ago, where he works as a CNC machinist at Open Loop and is raising three children who attend Safford schools.
His combat-sports journey began a little over a year ago at the Veterans Day Parade on Main Street in Downtown Safford when a Fight Factory gym volunteer handed him a flyer.
“I thought, ‘What is this?’” Whitmire recalled.
He walked in, started jiu-jitsu, and quickly became the top pound-for-pound competitor in the local scene. When coaches asked if he wanted to fight, he didn’t hesitate.
Since then, the results have been spectacular. Whitmire is 4-0 in MMA with three knockouts and one submission. His finishes include:
- A second-round knockout in his Muay Thai debut in Phoenix against Malik Woods.
- A 17-second knockout of O’Ryin Guhrke in his MMA debut on Anthony Pettis Fighting Championship (APFC).
- A 29-second knockout in Texas over Manny Alvarez.
- A second-round rear-naked choke victory over Quayshawn Randelson, the former No. 1-ranked fighter out of Jon Jones’ gym — a win that gave Whitmire the top local ranking.
Known around the gym as “Kamikaze” for his fearless stand-up style, Whitmire still leans on that Pima wrestling base when needed.
“I started as a wrestler, but everything just kind of happened on the feet,” he said. “I’m willing to stand and trade.”
After the June 13 title fight, Whitmire will make his professional debut in August with APFC in Albuquerque, New Mexico. That bout will stream live on UFC Fight Pass via Paramount+ — the same platform where he has already competed under former UFC champion Anthony Pettis.
The Fight Factory, located at 421 W. Main Street next to Misfit Smoke Shop in Safford, is more than just a training ground for Whitmire — it’s a community hub. He now coaches there and helps cover the bills, calling himself “basically a part owner” and the gym’s public face. The gym offers kids’ MMA and striking classes as well as adult programs in Muay Thai, boxing, and full MMA, Monday through Friday from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Co-owner and head coach Eddie Gonzalez and fellow fighter Gabriel Enriquez — both from the Fight Factory — will also compete on the June 13 card in Las Cruces, giving Safford and Graham County three local athletes to cheer for.
What sets the Fight Factory apart is how it gives back. Using sponsorship money and fight purses, Whitmire and the gym have:
- Provided a full Christmas for three local children in need.
- Donated two complete Thanksgiving dinners.
- Run a back-to-school backpack drive.
Local businesses Green Star, Santiago Mortgage, and many others have stepped up as sponsors, and Whitmire says the support is overwhelming.
“We go to Walmart or anywhere in town, and everybody’s coming up to me. It’s been really cool,” he said.
If you or your children want to train, get in shape, or learn self-defense, the Fight Factory is open to everyone. Call 928-506-6234 or find them on Facebook under “The Fight Factory.”
Whitmire is quick to credit his hometown.
“I’m super proud to represent Graham County and Pima,” he said. “The community has my back, and I want to give back every chance I get.”
Whether he lifts the middleweight belt on June 13 or not, Klinton Whitmire has already shown what grit, community, and a single Veterans Day flyer can do. Graham County will be watching — and cheering — when “Kamikaze” steps into the cage in Las Cruces.
