September 21, 2025
Why Is the UFC Ignoring David Martinez?
Why Is the UFC Ignoring David Martinez?
The Most Decorated Aussie Without a UFC Shot
David Martinez has more than likely solidified himself as the most decorated Australian MMA fighter to never step into the UFC Octagon.
A multi-division, multi-time, multi-promotion champion, Martinez has been ferocious across lightweight and welterweight. He’s not just a grappler who holds opponents down anymore, he’s become incredibly violent on the ground and on the feet, a direct testament to his evolution under Team Compton.
Fresh off a round 5 TKO over Matt Vale at Eternal MMA 98, Martinez has cleared out the region, finished veterans, shut down prospects, and proven he has the gas tank, skill set, and mentality to succeed on the sport’s biggest stage.
And yet, the call hasn’t come.
The Bias Against Age and Style
Martinez’s problem might not be performance, it’s perception.
At 32, he’s in his prime, but the UFC often shows a strange short-sightedness (or even too long-sightedness), being hyper-critical of fighters north of 30.
Add to that the label:
- Grappling heavy.
- Few highlight-reel KOs.
- Not a trash talker.
Even though Martinez fights with a Chael Sonnen/Khabib Nurmagomedov style of ground-and-pound violence (not a stalling Jon Fitch approach), those biases could be the snapped Achilles heel of his UFC chances.
And that would be a travesty.
Lessons From Ben Johnston
We’ve seen this story before. Ben Johnston, former Eternal MMA middleweight champion, never got his call either, despite being a fierce striker who literally emulated Alex Pereira for Israel Adesanya’s rematch camp.
Why? Age. Johnston was over 30, and the UFC didn’t bite.
If they pass on Martinez for the same reason, it would be another example of the sport’s biggest stage ignoring one of Australia’s most dangerous fighters simply because his birthday cake said “32.”
The Record That Proves It
- 16–6 overall.
- Last real loss? Against Blake Donnelly in 2023. Since then, Martinez has sharpened his striking and rounded out his game.
- His “loss” to Murad Guseinov at Brave CF 76? A referee blunder. The buggy choke was called, but Martinez never tapped—premature and controversial.
- Recent streak: five straight wins, including finishes over Matt Vale, Stephen Costello, and Brentin Mumford.
That’s not luck. That’s evolution.
The Team Compton Effect
Training under Steve Compton, Martinez has transformed from a smothering grappler to a fighter with:
- Crisp boxing and elbows.
- Relentless top control.
- Championship cardio.
As Martinez himself says:
“I’m still getting cracked, but now I can crack back.”
That violence-first style is exactly what the UFC should want.
Why the UFC Needs Him
- Proven Champion: Multiple belts, multiple defenses, multiple promotions.
- Fan-Friendly Violence: Grappling with damage, not stalling. Striking that cracks back.
- Five-Round Engine: Finishes in championship rounds = TV gold.
- Regional Cleanout: There’s nobody left for him in Australia.
- Marketable Identity: The Smiling Assassin — humble in interviews, ferocious in cages.
From Undesirable to Undeniable
David Martinez has done everything right. He’s proven himself in five-round wars, delivered highlight violence, and held belts across divisions. His only remaining fight is against perception: the idea that age and grappling-heavy fighters can’t sell.
But watch his fights. Watch the Eternal MMA 98 finish. Watch his evolution under Team Compton.
This is not a “lay and pray” veteran. This is a violent, championship-ready assassin who belongs in the Octagon.
The UFC may ignore him for now. But the Smiling Assassin is undeniable.
