Danny Martinez


Daniel Eugene Martinez is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the flyweight division of Taura MMA. A professional mixed martial artist since 2006, Martinez has also competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and Absolute Championship Berkut.

Biography

Education

Martinez wrestled at Marcos de Niza High School and then attended Pima Community College where he wrestled and trained with the likes of Efrain Escudero, Jamie Varner, and Anthony Birchak.

Early MMA career

A native Arizonan, Martinez began his mixed martial arts career in 2006, competing first at lightweight and then featherweight in regional promotions, primarily across the Southwestern United States. Martinez faced former UFC title challenger Mark Hominick in 2008, where Hominick defeated Martinez via unanimous decision. Martinez compiled a professional record of 11–2, before facing Joseph Benavidez in a bantamweight bout on December 3, 2008, at WEC 37. Benavidez defeated Martinez via unanimous decision.
Over the next few years, Martinez dropped in weight class to the flyweight division, and also had a brief stint on The Ultimate Fighter 18. Martinez was defeated in an elimination bout by future finalist, Davey Grant.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

On the heels of a 6–1 run for regional promotions, Martinez signed with the UFC in January 2014. He made his promotional debut as a short notice replacement, filling in for Kyoji Horiguchi against Chris Cariaso on February 1, 2014, at UFC 169. Cariaso defeated Martinez via unanimous decision.
Martinez faced Scott Jorgensen on June 7, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 42. Jorgensen defeated Martinez via unanimous decision. Their performance earned both participants Fight of the Night honors.
Martinez faced promotional newcomer Sirwan Kakai in a bantamweight bout on June 27, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 70. Martinez lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Martinez face Richie Vaculik on November 15, 2015, at UFC 193. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Absolute Championship Berkut

Martinez faced Darren Mima on January 13, 2017, at ACB 51. He won the fight by unanimous decision.
Amassing a record of 2–2 after his UFC release, Martinez signed a contract with Taura MMA.

Championships and Accomplishments