Young David Martinez has his sights set on the UFC.
Martinez (10-1), a 25-year-old bantamweight prospect from Mexico, is one of the hottest free agents in mixed martial arts after completing his contract with Combate Global and departing the organization with a six-fight win streak and a championship belt.
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Though Martinez rarely goes the long distance, “The Black Spartan” boasts an astounding 90% finishing rate, with his only decision win coming in a tournament where Martinez fought three times in one night. Yes, that's right. After back-to-back wins, Martinez closed out the bout with a spectacular KO of UFC veteran Francisco Rivera via head kick.
The timing couldn't be better for Martinez, who has nine knockouts to his name and left Combate Global on “amicable terms” earlier this month, and believes he's more than ready to compete in the top promotion in UFC.
“I'm ranked in the top 10 bantamweights in North America,” Martinez told MMA Knockout (translated from Spanish). “I've fought really good fighters, the best in my weight class, some of whom have had long careers at UFC. I feel better physically and mentally than I've ever felt before. I want to fight the best fighters, and I know the UFC has the best fighters in the world, and I want to be there.”
Martinez currently trains at Bonebreakers MMA Gym in Mexico City and has been honing his arsenal outside the cage, or “La Jaura,” for over a year. His last fight was in May 2023, scoring another highlight-worthy knockout, this time with a spinning wheel kick.
David “Black Spartan” Martinez (10-1) defeated Jose Saurauz via spinning wheel kick KO in the fourth round to retain his Combate bantamweight title. #CombateGlobal pic.twitter.com/mkAcYOOncS
— Caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) May 29, 2023
Why should UFC bring in a prospect like Martinez to their busy bantamweight division? Martinez says that even if his highlights aren't quite there yet, his overall fighting style and Mexican heart will live up to the public's expectations on the biggest stage.
“Being a Mexican, my fighting style is one of the most exciting for the fans and what they want to see. I can rack up knockouts with my feet and hands. I have a very flashy style that has been used to great effect against the best fighters in the world.”
“I'm always ready to fight,” Martinez added. “Short notice or not, whoever they want me to fight in this division, whoever they want me to fight, I'm willing to fight them.”
MMA fighters come from all walks of life, with many quitting their jobs to fight full-time, but not Martinez, who surprisingly has a successful career as an orthopedic surgeon helping others.
“Outside of my martial arts career, I'm actually a medical doctor and orthopedic surgeon,” Martinez continued. “The reality is that with discipline, strength, education and the passion you put into your work, you can do anything you put your mind to. I want to send this message to anyone who dreams of achieving what they want in life.”
“It's hard to juggle both careers because they both take up a lot of time. But if you're disciplined and adjust your schedule, you can do whatever you want.”
Free agent David Martinez, who boasts surgical precision both on and off the fight, will be watching to see if he can get a coveted shot inside the Octagon alongside his sister, UFC strawweight Melissa Martinez (7-1).
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