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Ryan Martinez

Ryan Martinez
Born (1987-08-27) August 27, 1987 (age 29)
Greeley, Colorado, United States
Nationality American
Height 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight 257 lb (117 kg; 18.4 st)
Division Heavyweight (265 lb)
Super Heavyweight (no limit)
Reach 72 in (183 cm)
Stance Southpaw
Fighting out of Greeley, Colorado, United States
Team Infinite MMA
Years active 2009–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total 15
Wins 10
By knockout 5
By submission 2
By decision 3
Losses 5
By knockout 4
By decision 1
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Ryan Martinez (born August 27, 1987) is an American mixed martial artist who competes in Bellator's Heavyweight division.

Martinez was born in Greeley, Colorado. He grew up wrestling and had a promising future, being a top ranked wrestler in the state of Colorado (third in the country as a senior) while at Greeley West High School, and a two-time All-American. The young Martinez was offered full-scholarships from many different colleges, but began getting involved with drugs and alcohol, and eventually dropped out of high school as he began dealing drugs.

Martinez was addicted to methamphetamines and was arrested once for drug trafficking. He spent three and a half years in prison and two years on parole. The time in prison was especially hard on Martinez because he missed the first two years of his daughter Taylor's life.

After his time in prison, he got a job as an ironworker and started to train MMA, which helped him to overcome his past.

After a successful amateur career, Martinez began as a professional in 2010. He fought mainly for the Colorado-based promotion Fight To Win. With a MMA record of 5–1, he signed with ProElite.

Martinez made his debut against former NCAA division I national wrestling champion Mark Ellis on November 5, 2011 in the opening round of the heavyweight tournament. He won via unanimous decision and advanced to the semifinal.

In the semifinal on January 21, 2012, Martinez faced Cody Griffin. He won via unanimous decision.

Martinez was expected to face Richard Odoms in the finals, but in early 2012 ProElite has entered into a partnership with DREAM, which has gone out of business soon after. Martinez then signed with Bellator.


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