Jonathan Martinez showed off an impressive striking attack against Thomas Almeida at UFC Fight Island 6, taking home a unanimous decision.
It was a long time coming, but Thomas Almeida finally returned to the cage at UFC Fight Island 6 to take on Jonathan Martinez. Almeida’s ferocious striking attack made him a fan-favorite and a top prospect at bantamweight in 2015. His undefeated run came to an end at 20-0 when he took on former champion Cody Garbrandt. Since then, it’s been tough sledding for the Brazilian, going 1-2 and was looking to snap a two-fight skid, having not fought since January 2018.
Since Almeida’s last fight, Martinez signed with the UFC and competed five times, going 3-2 in that stretch. Martinez has scored excellent knockouts in two of those wins, including a TKO against veteran Frankie Saenz sparked by a big knee.
Martinez started the fight with a couple of head kicks but Almeida blocked each of them. Almeida fired back with a few leg kicks. Martinez popped Almeida with a jab after eating a leg kick. The leg kicks continued coming from Almeida, who ate a counter right from Martinez on one of them. Both men landed in an exchange of punches and Martinez stayed active, continuing to throw at Almeida. Right before the end of the round, a crisp head kick landed for Martinez followed by a big left hand.
Almeida leg kicks continued in the second round and Martinez fired a head kick. A two-punch combination connected for Almeida, who shot for a takedown then landed a knee to the body when it was thwarted. The Brazilian hit a body kick followed by a combination. Martinez started taking back momentum, throwing a high kick followed by one to the body. Martinez began developing a jab, then huge shots landed on both sides as a big knee clocked Almeida, who knocked Martinez backward with a left hook. Martinez continued to beat Almeida to the punch, landing a left hand followed by a head kick before the round came to an end.
Martinez landed a few shots early on then stopped a takedown from Almeida. Almeida still was struggling to find openings on the feet, getting punished whenever he tried to get inside of Martinez’s range. A straight left hand stung Almeida, countering a combination. Almeida got rocked with a big left hook and Martinez kept working. Almeida landed a big shot of his own, but ate a left kick and a left hand from Almeida. A right hook for Almeida found a home, as the Brazilian started finding more success on the feet. As time expired, Almeida shot for a takedown that Martinez defended.
Jonathan Martinez def. Thomas Almeida by Unanimous Decision (30-27 x3)
