Roque Martinez

Roque Martinez (born March 4, 1986) is a Guamanian mixed martial artist who competes in the Heavyweight division. He has formerly competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and Rizin Fighting Federation.

Background
Born and raised on Guam until 12 years old, Martinez went to high school in Washington state. Along with two close friend, he signed up for fighting classes for fun. With time, the other two fell out of the sport, but Martinez kept fighting, until at the age of 27, he had first professional fight on Guam.

Early career
Martinez compiled a 9–3–2 record on the regional Guamanian and Asian scene, with his most notable bout being a victory against Jung Da Un.

Rizin Fighting Federation.
Martinez won the DEEP Megatonweight Championship against Jaideep Singh at Deep Cage Impact 2017: At Korakuen Hall on July 15, 2017. He won the bout and title via unanimous decision.

The next bout was against Jérôme Le Banner at Rizin World Grand Prix 2017: Opening Round – Part 2 on October 15, 2017. He won the bout via a first round scarf hold.

Martinez faced Kiyoshi Kuwabara at Rizin 12 on August 12, 2018. He won the bout via TKO in the first round.

Martinez faced Mirko Cro Cop at Rizin 13 on September 30, 2018. He lost the bout after Cro Cop opened a cut on Roque's forehead and the ring doctor stopped the bout.

The first title defense of the DEEP Megatonweight Championship came against Ryo Sakai at DEEP 88 Impact on March 9, 2019. He won the bout via TKO at the end of the first round.

Martinez faced Jake Heun at Rizin 16 on June 2, 2019. Despite breaking his hand in the first round, Martinez lost a close bout via split decision.

Martinez defended the DEEP Megatonweight Championship against Seigo Mizuguchi at Deep 93 Impact on December 15, 2019. He won the bout via TKO in the second round.

Martinez faced Hideki Sekine at Rizin 21 on February 22, 2020. He won the bout via TKO after finishing Sekine off with soccer kicks and punches.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Martinez made his debut on September 12, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Waterson vs. Hill, when he lost to Alexander Romanov via arm-triangle choke in the second round.

Martinez faced Don'Tale Mayes on November 14, 2020 UFC Fight Night: Felder vs. dos Anjos. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Martinez faced Josh Parisian at UFC on ESPN: The Korean Zombie vs. Ige on June 19, 2021. He lost the bout via controversial split decision. 12 out of 14 media scores gave the victory to Martinez.

On June 29, 2021, after his third straight loss, Martinez was released from the UFC.

Post UFC
Making his return after almost a year and a half away, Martinez faced Yuichi Yokoyama on November 11, 2022 at Brawl International 2, winning the bout via rear-naked choke in the first round.

Martinez returned to Rizin, facing Tsuyoshi Sudario at Rizin Landmark 5 on April 29, 2023, losing the fight by unanimous decision.

Martinez faced Tserendash Azjargal on November 18, 2023 at Black Combat 9, winning the bout via unanimous decision.

Martinez defended and unified the DEEP Megatonweight Championship against Ryo Sakai on March 9, 2024 at DEEP 118 Impact, winning the bout via unanimous decision.

Background
Besides his mixed martial arts career, Martinez works as an insurance adjuster.

Mixed martial arts

 * Deep
 * DEEP Megatonweight Championship (One Time)
 * Three successful title defenses