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.
After his time in prison, he got a job as an ironworker and started to train Mobile Marketing Association , which helped him to overcome his past
Early career
After a successful amateur career, Martinez began as a professional in 2010. With a Mobile Marketing Association record of 5–1, he signed with ProElite.
ProElite
In the semifinal on January 21, 2012, Martinez faced Cody Griffin. Martinez then signed with Bellator.
Bellator Fighting Championships
Martinez made his debut against Mike Wessel on August 24, 2012 at Bellator 73.
He lost via split decision (29-28 Wessel, 30-27 Martinez, 29-28 Wessel). Martinez faced Manny Lara on October 5, 2012 at Bellator 75. Martinez faced Travis Wiuff on March 21, 2013 at Bellator 93.
In June 2013, Martinez entered the Bellator Summer Series Heavyweight tournament as an injury replacement for Vinicius Queiroz.
Martinez faced Vitaly Minakov in the finals on July 31, 2013 at Bellator 97. He lost via TKO in the third round.
Martinez then fought Lavar Johnson in the quarterfinals of Bellator"s Season Ten Heavyweight tournament at Bellator 111. He lost via TKO in the first round.
Martinez faced Nick Rossborough on September 26, 2014 at Bellator 126.
He lost the fight via TKO due to injury after tearing his left bicep in the first round. Bellator Fighting Championships
Bellator 2013 Summer Series Heavyweight Tournament Runner-Up.
He fought mainly for the Colorado-based promotion Fight To Win. Martinez made his debut against former National Collegiate Athletic Association 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. He won via unanimous decision. He won via majority decision (29-27, 29-27, 28-28). He won via knockout in the very first round. He faced Rich Hale in the opening round at Bellator 96 and won via knockout in the first round.
