David Martinez Bio
Miguel David Aceves Martínez, known as David Martinez, is a Mexican professional mixed martial artist competing in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on August 3, 1998, he has quickly risen through the ranks and as of September 16, 2025, is ranked #11 in the UFC bantamweight division.
Early Life and Background
David Martinez was born in Ecatepec de Morelos, State of Mexico, Mexico. Due to local insecurity, he relocated to Mexico City during his childhood. Growing up alongside his older sister Melissa, he developed an interest in mixed martial arts during his teenage years. Both siblings joined the Bonebreakers MMA Team, where David began his formal training in the sport. Alongside his athletic pursuits, Martinez pursued higher education and earned a bachelor’s degree in medicine from the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
Path to MMA
Martinez began his professional MMA career in 2016, competing in the Bantamweight division. His early years involved developing his skills and gaining experience in regional promotions. In 2018, he signed with Combate Americas, later renamed Combate Global, marking a significant step in his career. He quickly made an impact by participating in a tournament to crown a new bantamweight champion after the title was vacated.
David Martinez Career
Early Career (2016–2018)
David Martinez started his professional MMA journey in 2016. During these formative years, he built a strong record showcasing his striking power, accumulating multiple wins primarily by knockout. His aggressive style and finishing ability helped him stand out in the competitive Bantamweight division.
Martinez’s early career was marked by steady progress and gaining recognition within Mexico’s MMA scene. Training with Bonebreakers MMA provided him with a solid foundation and access to quality coaching and sparring partners.
Combate Americas Breakthrough (2018–2023)
In 2018, Martinez signed with Combate Americas, where he quickly established himself as a top contender. Following the vacancy of the Bantamweight Championship, he entered a tournament to claim the title. On May 29, 2021, Martinez defeated Alejandro González by first-round TKO in the quarterfinals and then won a unanimous decision against Alan Cantú in the semifinals.
In the tournament final held the same day, Martinez faced then-champion Francisco Rivera. He secured the bantamweight title with a knockout 17 seconds into the second round. He successfully defended his title multiple times, including victories over Arturo Vergara by first-round TKO in May 2022, Axel Osuna by fourth-round TKO in October 2022, and Jose Zarauz with a fourth-round roundhouse kick knockout in May 2023. After these accomplishments, Martinez departed from Combate Global.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Era (2024–Present)
Martinez earned a UFC contract by competing on Dana White’s Contender Series Season 8 in October 2024, where he defeated Xavier Franklin via unanimous decision. He made his UFC debut on March 29, 2025, at UFC on ESPN 64, defeating Saimon Oliveira by first-round knockout with knees and punches, earning Performance of the Night honors.
Martinez was scheduled to face Carlos Vera in September 2025, but the bout was canceled. Instead, he fought Rob Font and won by unanimous decision, further establishing himself in the UFC bantamweight rankings.
Fighting Style and Strengths
David Martinez is known for his aggressive striking and knockout power, with 10 of his 13 wins coming by knockout. His ability to finish fights quickly and effectively makes him a dangerous opponent in the Bantamweight division. Training with Bonebreakers MMA has honed his skills and fight IQ, contributing to his success inside the octagon.
Notable Events and Milestones
Martinez’s rapid rise includes winning the Combate Americas Bantamweight Championship in 2021 and defending it successfully three times. His UFC debut knockout and subsequent victories have marked him as a promising talent in the sport.
David Martinez Career Wins
David Martinez holds a professional MMA record of 13 wins and 1 loss. His victories are predominantly by knockout, demonstrating his striking prowess and finishing ability.
Combate Americas Highlights
Martinez secured the Combate Americas Bantamweight Championship in 2021 and defended it three times successfully. His first win in the promotion came through a decisive knockout, and his title defenses showcased his consistency and dominance in the division.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining Combate Americas, Martinez built a strong record in regional circuits, accumulating multiple knockout victories that established his reputation as a powerful striker.
David Martinez Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
David Martinez’s family background includes his older sister Melissa, who also trained in mixed martial arts alongside him. There is no public information about other family members involved in combat sports.
Personal Life
Details about Martinez’s personal life, including marital status or children, are not publicly available. He balances his professional fighting career with his academic background in medicine.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, David Martinez made a strong impression in the UFC Bantamweight division. After securing a contract through Dana White’s Contender Series, he won his debut fight with a first-round knockout, earning Performance of the Night honors. Despite a canceled bout, he rebounded with a unanimous decision victory over Rob Font, solidifying his position among the top contenders.
Martinez’s partnership with Bonebreakers MMA continues to support his development, and his performances in 2025 suggest a promising trajectory toward higher rankings and potential title contention in the UFC.