Magical moment! MMA prospect overcomes former title challenger at UFC Mexico and rises in the bantamweight division.

Martinez promotes UFC event. Photo: Press release/Facebook/UFC

At 27, David Martinez He achieved the biggest victory of his career in UFC Mexico. In the co-main event held this Saturday (28), the home athlete faced Marlon Vera, former bantamweight title challenger (up to 61,2 kg), and delighted the crowd. At the end of the 15-minute battle, the MMA prospect, despite the difficulty, prevailed by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).

Martinez now has three wins in three UFC appearances. Furthermore, by defeating Vera, the Mexican, currently ranked tenth in the highly competitive division, will move up to ninth place. Meanwhile, the Ecuadorian has lost his fourth consecutive fight and is experiencing the worst phase of his career.

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Battle in the main fight

Explosive, Martinez started the fight agitated and on the attack. Experienced, Vera moved around the octagon and relied on kicks. In the striking exchanges, Martinez threw straight punches at Vera. In turn, Vera responded with low kicks and kicks to the body. Sharp, Martinez created danger by landing an uppercut and a straight punch on Vera. Despite advancing and chasing Martinez around the octagon, Vera landed few strikes. In the final seconds, Martinez surprised, managed to take Vera down and landed some good punches.

In the second round, the pace of the fight remained frenetic. Vera sought to be more aggressive, while Martinez continued to put force into his strikes. Vera landed a powerful straight right on Martinez, who responded in kind. Martinez landed a kick on Vera, who countered with a powerful cross. Then it was Martinez's turn to land a punch on Vera with everything he had.

Shortly after, Vera landed a high kick that exploded on Martinez's face. Intelligently, Martinez took advantage and took Vera down, who stood up. Gaining momentum in the fight, Vera landed a punch to Martinez's midsection. Martinez attempted a takedown, but was unsuccessful. Confident, Vera landed another high kick on Martinez.

In the third round, Vera attacked with jabs and straight punches. Martinez didn't back down and threw straight kicks. Again, Martinez attempted a takedown, but Vera defended. Then, Vera landed a straight punch, a cross, and a high kick on Martinez. Cornered, Martinez couldn't impose himself and attacked little. Noticing Martinez's worsening performance, Vera landed jabs, straight punches, and kicks to the body. Shaken, Martinez defended himself, waiting for the fight to end.

Check the results of the UFC Mexico

Main Card

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Lone'er Kavanagh derrotou Brandon Moreno by unanimous decision of the judges (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): David Martinez derrotou Marlon Vera by unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29, 29-28)

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Bobby Green derrotou Daniel Zellhuber by technical knockout (punches) at 4min55sec of R2

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Edgar Chairez derrotou Felipe Bunes by split decision of the judges (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Imanol Rodriguez defeated Kevin Borjas by technical knockout (punches) at 4min21sec of R2

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Santiago luna derrotou Angel Pacheco by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Preliminary Card

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Ryan Gandra defeated Jose Daniel Medina by technical knockout (punches) at 41 seconds of round 1.

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Ailin Perez derrotou Macy chiasson by unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Cristian Quiñonez derrotou Kris moutinho by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Javier Reyes defeated Douglas Silva de Andrade by technical knockout (punches) at 4min59sec of R1

Catchweight (up to 58,9 kg): Regina Tarin defeated Ernesta Kareckaite by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Francis Marshall He defeated Erik Silva by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:29 of Round 1.

Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Damian Pinas defeated Wes Schultz by knockout (punch) at 2:30 of round 1.