Is DWCS winner David Martinez related to Melissa Martinez? Their relationship, professional records, and more
David Martinez, along with four other fighters, earned their spots in the UFC with impressive showings at 'Dana White's Contender Series'. On Tuesday night, Martinez delivered a commanding performance against Xavier Franklin in their bantamweight clash, securing a unanimous decision victory at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
'Black Spartan' is a highly regarded up-and-coming fighter from Mexico who has generated significant buzz in the regional MMA scene over the past few years.
However, little is known about Martinez's personal life, including whether he shares a blood relation with UFC strawweight fighter Melissa Martinez.
Is DWCS winner David Martinez related to Melissa Martinez?
The UFC has showcased many legendary sibling pairs in the past, such as Nick and Nate Diaz and Antonina and Valentina Shevchenko.
However, David and Melissa Martinez have made history by becoming the first brother-sister duo associated with the MMA promotion, with the 26-year-old Mexican being the latest signee through DWCS.
Born and raised in a household where both parents were mixed martial artists, the Martinez siblings inherited their passion for the sport from an early age, beginning their training at around three years old. 'Black Spartan', who is one year younger than Melissa, has been a source of inspiration for his sister's MMA path.
David was the first to pursue combat sports, and it wasn't long before 'Super Mely' followed suit and embarked on her own path in the sport.
David previously balanced his professional career in both MMA and medicine, working as a surgeon in family medicine at a hospital in Mexico. While managing his dual responsibilities, 'Black Spartan' established himself as a formidable competitor in Combate Global, ultimately becoming the promotion’s bantamweight champion in October 2022. He currently boasts a record of 11-1, with nine of those victories achieved by knockout.
While David has yet to be scheduled for his octagon debut, Melissa (7-1) is preparing for her second appearance, as she is set to face Alice Ardelean at UFC Vegas 99 on Oct. 19 at the UFC Apex.
'Super Mely' made her promotional debut at UFC 279, but unfortunately, it didn’t go as planned. She suffered a unanimous decision loss to Elise Reed, marking the only blemish on her eight-fight career.