David Martínez (fighter)

Martínez was born on August 3, 1998, in Ecatepec de Morelos, State of Mexico. However, due to the local insecurity, he moved to Mexico City as a child. In his teens, he became interested in mixed martial arts, joining the Bonebreakers MMA Team with his older sister, Melissa. David also holds a bachelor's degree, having studied medicine at the National Autonomous University of Mexico.^[4]

In 2018, Martínez signed with Combate Americas, later renamed Combate Global.^[5] There he suffered the first defeat of his career, at the hands of Gianni Vázquez on April 9, 2021 in Combate Global: Chairez vs. Monterroso.^[6]

After Gustavo Lopez vacated his Bantamweight Championship, the promotion created a tournament to crown a new champion, with Martínez among the contenders. On May 29, 2021, Martínez defeated Alejandro González by first-round TKO in the quarterfinals, and then Alan Cantú by unanimous decision in the semifinals.

In the tournament final, held on the same date, he challenged then-bantamweight champion Francisco Rivera. With a knockout 17 seconds into the second round, Martínez became the bantamweight champion.^[7]

In his first title defense, Martínez faced Arturo Vergara on May 27, 2022.^[8] He won the fight via TKO in the first round.^[9]

Martínez faced Axel Osuna on October 7, 2022,^[10] winning again by TKO to retain the title, this time in the fourth round.^[11]

Martínez faced Jose Zarauz on May 28, 2023.^[12] With an incredible roundhouse kick in the fourth round, he successfully retained the title for the third time.^[13] He later left the company.^[14]

Martínez competed in Week 8 of Dana White's Contender Series Season 8 for a UFC contract, facing Xavier Franklin on October 1, 2024. He earned a unanimous decision victory and was one of five new signings to the promotion.^[15]

Martínez made his UFC debut on March 29, 2025, at UFC on ESPN 64, where he faced Saimon Oliveira. With a pair of knees and punches, he won the fight in the first round.^[16] This victory earned him Performance of the Night honors.^[17]

Martínez was scheduled to face Carlos Vera on September 13, 2025, at UFC Fight Night 259,^[18] but the fight was canceled for unknown reasons, and his place was taken by Quang Le. However, this latter fight was also canceled due to Martínez being removed from the co-main event, where he will face Rob Font.^[19] David won the fight by unanimous decision.^[20]

Martínez faced Marlon Vera on February 28, 2026, at UFC Fight Night 268.^[21] He won the fight by unanimous decision.^[22]

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
  • Performance of the Night (One time) vs. Saimon Oliveira^[17]
  • UFC.com Awards
    • 2025: Ranked #4 Newcomer of the Year^[23]

• Combate Global
  • Combate Global Bantamweight Championship (one time)