MARTINEZ STAND UP GAME ENOUGH FOR KOREA WIN

By Patrick Lujan

Roque Martinez defeated Kim Myung Hwan via unanimous decision in a heavyweight bout in South Korea’s Black Combat promotion Saturday in Busan.

The bigger Kim took the first round with solid striking and a big takedown.

Martinez, however, came back to take the next two rounds with precision striking and takedown defense, delivering a host of uppercuts in the clinch.

“I’m glad I got the victory,” Martinez said on Sunday. “Although I went to another decision I’m proud of the way I fought after losing the first round. My opponent was a big guy and was able to time a perfect takedown in the first round. I came out better in the second round and avoided more takedowns and started to land more shots. Going into the third I knew there was no way he was going to finish stronger than me.”

As for those devastating uppercuts in the 2nd and 3rd rounds, Martinez explained: “I’ve always been pretty good with my uppercuts especially being the shorter guy. I knew they were hurting him in the clinch so I threw them often.”

Kim dropped to 9-2, ending a seven-fight win streak.

FIGHTING IN KOREA

Martinez improves to 19-9-2 in his career with most of his fights in Japan, Guam and U.S. mainland. This was his second fight in Korea.

“I love fighting in Korea. It’s right up there with Japan for me. The fans are very respectful and they show a lot of love to the fighters. Of course it’s always great to fight home on Guam as well, but I love traveling for fights because it feels like a paid vacation.”

UP NEXT

At 38 years old, the former UFC fighter and the most prolific heavyweight Guam has ever produced, Martinez has eyed 2024 as his final year to compete in MMA. He’ll take a short vacation before looking for another fight in October – and if all goes as planned, a New Year’s Eve retirement fight in Japan.