Two Contender Series veterans sought their first UFC win as lightweights Tom Nolan faced Victor Martinez at UFC Vegas 92.
Coming from down under, Australia’s Nolan impressed on Dana White’s Contender Series when he improved to 6-0 as a professional with a devastating first round KO. However, the tables were turned on the giant Aussie got put to sleep quickly in his UFC debut. Martinez won his DWCS contract with a decision, but was similarly put out in his debut.
The fighters traded kicks to start, Nolan pressing forward. Martinez was game and tried to counter but was usually unable to get past the reach of Nolan. Suddenly, the fight changed when Nolan got dropped. However he was not out of it. Tom fought back up to his feet and hit Martinez with a knee to the sternum that made Victor drop to the fetal position. A few more ground strikes finished the job for the Aussie, securing the TKO victory in impressive, come-from-behind fashion.
Now 6-1 and with his first loss coming to a tough out in Nikolas Motta, Tom Nolan likely has a bit of breathing room moving forward. Not so for Martinez, with “The Brick” now 0-2 inside the octagon and in must-win territory.
Official Result: Tom Nolan def. Victor Martinez by TKO (knee to the body/punches), Round 1, 3:50
