Richard Martins
Brazil
25-years-old
9-1
89% finish rate (7 KO/TKOs, 1 Submission)
Combined opponents’ record: 47-16
Pros
-Good jab
-Chopping leg kicks
-Good clinchwork
-Improved takedown defense
-High guard
-Good shot selection
-High fight IQ
-Good right cross
Cons
-Ground game isn’t up to par
Martins has established himself as a force in the LFA cage, boasting an impressive 4-0 record with the promotion. His only career loss dates back to 2019 against Manuel Sousa—a highly regarded prospect in his own right—making that setback far from a blemish.
A well-rounded fighter with significant potential, Martins’ primary strength lies in his striking. At first glance, his stance may appear rigid, but his fluid movement and ability to slip punches quickly prove otherwise. He mixes in spinning attacks effectively but thrives on fundamentals, using a sharp jab—often doubling up or targeting the body—to dictate range. He follows up with a precise right cross and relentlessly attacks his opponent’s lead leg. His fight IQ is evident in the way he picks his shots, whether it’s the jab, well-timed combinations, or devastating inside work with elbows and knees.
While Martins is dangerous on the feet, his ground game remains a slight concern. Early in his career, questions surrounded his takedown defense, but recent improvements suggest he’s shored up that weakness. His defensive wrestling has looked solid, though his jiu-jitsu still lags behind his striking. He isn’t passive on the mat—he looks for openings and stays active—but he can be controlled for extended periods.
Ultimately, Martins is a calculated striker who breaks down his opponents over time, chipping away until he finds a finishing blow or forces them to wilt under pressure. With his skill set and fight IQ, he’s a legitimate threat to win this tournament.
While some families might be upset by a father or husband being away for six weeks, that wasn’t the case for Martins. Everyone was happy for him to join The Ultimate Fighter 33, “Especially my wife. She’s been with me all along, so everyone was very happy.”
The Brazilian is looking forward to training under the likes of Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen, and their respective teams. “I think training with legends. I think when you train with people that have so much experience, that’s a unique thing. I think this experience on TUF allows you to do that.”
