UFC bantamweight David Martinez isn’t just stepping into a short-notice bout against Ronb Font at Noche UFC. He’s looking to make a statement against a ranked veteran. Ahead of their fight this Saturday, Martinez says he’s ready to test Font, capitalize on every mistake, and prove that his youth isn’t a liability but a weapon.
Martinez (12-1) made it into the UFC off the back of a decision victory over Xavier Franklin at DWCS in 2024. After scoring an impressive first round TKO of Saimon Oliveira in his UFC debut, he steps into a short notice bout at Noche UFC.
“I had several changes. I was preparing for the Ecuadorian Carlos Vera. Then Quang Le, but just a couple of weeks ago I got a call from my manager to offer me this fight, a ranked fighter,” Martinez told reporters including Cageside Press on Wednesday.
“I discussed it with my family and my coaches, and I felt ready to go. My coaches felt the same so that’s how the fight came to be.”
The experience factor is clearly on Font’s side, but Martinez isn’t too concerned. He’s relying on his own background as he prepares for Saturday’s fight.
“He’s a high-level striker. He’s kept his spot at the top for a long time, but I’ve fought great fighters as well. It’s nothing I haven’t seen before, and I’m ready for this fight,” he said.
Noche UFC was originally slated for Guadalajara, Mexico, but Arena Guadalajara—the brand-new venue under construction—wasn’t completed in time. As a result, the card was eventually moved to San Antonio.
“At first I was (disappointed). I wanted to fight in my home country, representing for my people, but I have the people in my heart,” he said.
“I’m fighting with the Mexican people in my heart and that’s where they’ll be.”
Watch the full media day scrum with David Martinez above. He faces Rob Font this Saturday night at Noche UFC.
* Translated by Cageside Press
