Anthony Rocco Martin
Anthony Rocco Martin is an American professional mixed martial artist who competed in the lightweight and welterweight divisions of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Background
Born in Palos Heights, Illinois, Martin moved to Worth, Illinois, before settling in Wisconsin during his junior high school years. After graduating high school, where he played football, Martin attended college and briefly played football at North Dakota State University before dropping out. After dropping out Martin began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts.Mixed martial arts career
Martin made his professional mixed martial arts debut on January 7, 2012, when he faced Bruce Johnson at Cage Fighting Xtreme 30. He won the fight via first round rear-naked choke. Following the quick win, he compiled a record of 8–0, including a notable win over UFC veteran Phillipe Nover at Dakota FC 14, before being signed by the Ultimate Fighting Championship in late 2013.Ultimate Fighting Championship
In his official UFC debut, Martin faced fellow newcomer Rashid Magomedov at UFC 169 on February 1, 2014. Though he had Magomedov in trouble early with a deep armbar, Magomedov rallied back and Martin lost the fight via unanimous decision.Martin then faced Beneil Dariush at UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. dos Anjos on August 23, 2014. Martin lost the fight via rear-naked choke in the second round.
For his third fight with the promotion, he faced Fabrício Camões in a catchweight bout at UFC 179 on October 25, 2014. He won the fight via first round kimura lock, getting his first UFC win in the process.
Martin next faced Leonardo Santos on March 21, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 62, as a replacement for an injured Matt Wiman. He lost the fight via submission in the second round.
Martin faced promotional newcomer Felipe Olivieri on January 30, 2016, at UFC on Fox 18. Martin earned a come from behind victory as he submitted Oilveiri in the third round.
Martin was expected to face Michel Prazeres on July 23, 2016, at UFC on Fox 20. However, Martin pulled out of the fight in early July citing a neck injury and was replaced by promotional newcomer J.C. Cottrell.
Martin was expected to face Erik Koch on January 15, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 103. However, Koch pulled out of the fight on December 12 citing an injury and was replaced by Alex White. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Martin faced Johnny Case on June 25, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 112. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Martin faced Olivier Aubin-Mercier on September 16, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 116. He lost the back-and-forth fight via split decision.
Martin faced Keita Nakamura in a welterweight bout on April 21, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 128. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Martin faced Ryan LaFlare on October 6, 2018, at UFC 229. He won the fight via knockout in the third round after dropping LaFlare with a head kick and following up with punches. This victory marked Martin's first professional victory by way of knockout.
Martin faced Jake Matthews on December 2, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 142. He won the fight via an anaconda choke in round three.
Martin faced Sérgio Moraes on March 9, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 146. He won the fight by unanimous decision.
Martin faced Demian Maia on June 29, 2019, at UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. dos Santos. He lost the fight via majority decision.
Martin faced Ramazan Emeev on November 9, 2019, at UFC on ESPN+ 21. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Martin was scheduled to face David Zawada on April 25, 2020. However, on April 9 the promotion indicated that the pairing had been scrapped as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the last fight of his prevailing contract, Martin faced Neil Magny on June 6, 2020, at UFC 250. He lost the bout via unanimous decision.
Martin and the UFC parted ways after the completion of his most recent contract allowing him to negotiate with other promotions.