MMA: TONY MARTIN: “THIS FIGHT IS FOR MY RESPECT IN THE UFC”
UFC veteran Tony Martin (13-4) will face Ryan LaFlare (14-2) this Saturday, October 6 at UFC 229 live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main event is the long-awaited showdown between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor. At only 28, Martin is already one of the most accomplished mixed martial artists to come out of Minnesota. This Saturday night will be his biggest stage yet to make a statement on. This will be Martin’s second fight at welterweight since moving up to the 170-pound division last April. Martin defeated Keita Nakamura impressively to keep things rolling into the upcoming bout. His opponent Ryan LaFlare is also no stranger to the UFC. He’s won three of his last four fights inside the octagon and coming off a unanimous decision win over Alex Garcia on the same show that Martin won unanimously against Nakamura. The Martin-LaFlare bout can be seen live this Saturday at 5 PM Central time on UFC Fight Pass.
Minnesota Fight News caught up with Martin to discuss Saturday nights showdown with LaFlare at UFC 229.
Can you talk about fight camp this time around? Have you been able to make it back to MN to
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train following your big win over Nakamura?
MARTIN: Fight camp has been grueling. Every day I have been training with the best southpaw wrestlers in the world. I have been back to Minnesota a few weekends this camp and trained once at ACA in Fargo as well. I have made crazy strides in my takedown defense this camp which will end up making me twice as dangerous.
Style-wise, how would you describe this fight against Ryan LaFlare? What can you tell us about him and what can fans expect?
MARTIN: Ryan is a big strong wrestler who likes to stay at long range and throw heavy left kicks. He doesn’t look to do much damage or submissions on the ground. He mostly wants to land heavy kicks and grind you out. He is 7-2 in the UFC with all wins by decision. He has beaten multiple guys in the top 15 and has fought some of the best 170lb fighters in the UFC. This will be a huge test for me with the move to welterweight. This is a legit top 20 welterweight in the world and would be a huge win. He doesn’t have the biggest name but he is a very solid fighter. He will be looking for a decision win and I’ll be looking for a finish the entire fight. I think my boxing will be too much for him which will take his kicks away and force him to try and take me down. I’ve focused a lot of this camp on takedown defense so I expect to stuff all his takedowns and work from there. If that is taking standing up or out grappling him that is where I will go. I also feel I have way better submissions then him and have the ability to finish him everywhere. I think he has too many things to worry about fighting me and he has a very simple strategy. He is very good at what he does but it’s a simple approach. He has one path to victory when I have multiple.
This is a huge show and opportunity. But really, every fight is huge for you on this stage. Is there anything specific that you are out to show or prove on Saturday night?
MARTIN: I never dreamed of being in the UFC or being on the biggest card ever. I have only dreamt of being UFC champion because it has been proven that UFC champion is the best in the world. That is what I strive for and anything else is just apart of the process. I dream of headlining these types of cards and I work hard to make this dream come true. This fight is for my respect in the UFC. I feel like I’m the hidden gem that the UFC hasn’t jumped on board yet. This is the biggest card ever which gives me the best opportunity to showcase my skills with the most eyes watching. Here is my chance to prove that I’m a top 15 fighter and the path to the title starts to get more clear. I really think I’m just entering my prime and getting better every camp. I will dominate Ryan Saturday and I will put everything on the line. This is a fight I separate myself from the up and coming fighter to an elite fighter.
Thank you for your time! Is there anything you want to say in closing?
MARTIN: I dream for the stars and I will settle for nothing else. If you dream of being anything other then the best in what you do then you think nothing like me. I am here to be the best in the world and every day I put in the work to accomplish this goal. I will sleep well no matter the outcome knowing I did everything in my power to be the best. I hope Ryan survives long enough to force me to dig deep because no one is willing to give what I am to be a champion. This is going to be my true coming out party and unfortunately, Ryan is in my way. Thank you to all my family, coaches, training partners, and fans. Everyone plays a part but Saturday I will enter that cage alone knowing what I and everyone else has sacrificed for that moment. I will be victorious with everyone in my heart. Thank you.