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David Martinez has made waves in a short amount of time on the UFC roster and would create many more by pulling off a big win over Marlon Vera.
In just his third UFC fight, Martinez (13-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) will face his first former title challenger in Vera (23-11-1 MMA, 15-10 UFC). The bantamweight bout serves as the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 268 at Arena CDMX in Mexico City.
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In his sophomore appearance, Martinez fought an established veteran, Rob Font, in just his second fight for his first co-main event appearance. He won that fight by unanimous decision, which gave him plenty of confidence that he could compete at the top of the division.
“Yes, the fight with Rob Font let me know I can do this,” Martinez told MMA Junkie. “I can fight with all of the fighters, and I’m ready for this fight.”
He’ll get the opportunity to prove himself against another veteran in “Chito,” who has been on a rough skid, losing four of his last five – albeit against top names in the division. In 25 fights under the UFC banner, Vera has never been finished. While Martinez says he won’t specifically look for the knockout, he believes in the possibility.
“He has a good chin, but I never in any fight in my life search the knockout,” Martinez said. “The knockout comes itself if I do my work.”
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It seems the promotion is behind Martinez fully for his abilities as a fighter, and as a strong representative of Mexico. The 27-year-old is already in his second co-main event and has represented his home country at events catered to it. His debut came against Saimon Oliveira last March in Mexico City, followed by the co-feature against Font at Noche UFC in San Antonio. Martinez admits representing his people does come with pressure.
“I feel very nervous because of my people and my country, and all of this,” Martinez said. “But, I have prepared my mind every night in my room. … But the energy of my team, the energy of my people give me the this extra (motivation) that I need for this fight.”
From a top 15 opponent in Font to a top 10 opponent in Vera, Martinez isn’t sure if a win here means he’ll face a top 5 opponent next, but he does hope it all leads to a main event opportunity next time the UFC brings a card to Mexico City.
“Right now, I’m just focused 28th of February, this Saturday vs. ‘Chito’ Vera,” Martinez said. “I am a very complete fighter, I feel good, I feel fast, I feel very strong. Of course, no matter the name in the division, I am ready for this.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Mexico: David Martinez’s quick ascent built confidence, pressure
