Poppies Martinez

Poppies Martinez (born August 19, 1983) is a Native American professional mixed martial artist of the Tachi Yokuts tribe currently competing in the Lightweight division of Bellator. A professional competitor since 2003, he has also formerly competed for the California-based promotions, the WEC, Palace Fighting Championship, and Tachi Palace Fights.

Background Born and raised in Lemoore, California, Martinez competed in wrestling at Lemoore High School. Martinez has also trained in Kenpo Karate and holds a black belt.

Mixed martial arts career Early career: World Extreme Cagefighting Martinez began training in mixed martial arts at the age of 19 and made his professional debut in 2003 for the WEC. Martinez fought exclusively for the promotion until 2006.

Palace Fighting Championship and Tachi Palace Fights From 2007 to 2014, Martinez fought mainly for Palace Fighting Championship, and after the organization's end, Tachi Palace Fights. Both organizations held most of their events in Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino at Martinez's hometown in Lemoore, California.

Martinez fought for the PFC Lightweight Championship on March 22, 2007, at PFC 2 against Shad Smith. He lost via submission due to a guillotine choke in the third round.

Martinez was scheduled to rematch Shad Smith on October 18, 2007, at PFC 4 for the PFC Lightweight Championship. However, Smith was forced to pull out of the bout after being medically suspended by CSAC. Martinez was rescheduled to face Brandon Jinnies at the same event for the PFC Interim Lightweight Championship. He won via TKO early in the first round and became the PFC interim lightweight title holder.

Once again, Martinez fought for the PFC Lightweight Championship on January 17, 2008, at PFC 6 against Diego Saraiva and was defeated via submission due to a rear-naked choke in the first round.

Martinez faced David Mitchell on July 9, 2010, at TPF 5: Stars and Strikes for the welterweight title. He lost via technical submission due to a triangle choke early in the first round.

Martinez faced Christos Giagos on August 22, 2013, at TPF 16: The Return for the vacant TPF Lightweight Championship. Martinez defeated Giagos via submission due to a guillotine choke in the first round and became the new Lightweight Champion.

Martinez also faced Chris Culley on February 6, 2014, at TPF 18: Martinez vs. Culley for the vacant TPF Featherweight Championship. He won via submission due to an anaconda choke in the first round and became the only fighter to hold two TPF belts simultaneously.

Bellator MMA Martinez made his promotional debut on October 4, 2013, at Bellator 102 against Brandon Girtz. He lost via submission due to an armbar early in the first round.

Martinez next faced Josh Smith on April 11, 2014, at Bellator 116. He won via submission due to a guillotine choke at 3:50 of round one.

In his third fight within the promotion, Martinez faced Bubba Jenkins at Bellator 122 on July 25, 2014. He lost the fight via first-round TKO.

Martinez faced Julio Cesar Neves on September 19, 2014, at Bellator 125. He lost via TKO in the first round.

Personal life Martinez, who is married, has eight children and his brother, Andrew "Mickey" Martinez, is also a professional mixed martial artist who has competed for Tachi Palace Fights. Mickey competes in the Heavyweight division. Win

Brandon Jinnies TKO (punches) PFC 4: Project Complete

Lemoore, California, United States Win

Billy Terry Submission (rear-naked choke) Primal MMA: The Next Level

Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico Loss

Shad Smith Submission (guillotine choke) PFC 2: Fast and Furious

Lemoore, California, United States Win

Josh Gardner Decision (unanimous) PFC 1: King of the Ring

Lemoore, California, United States Win

Robert Breslin Submission (guillotine choke) WEC 24: Full Force

Lemoore, California, United States Win

Gigo Jara Submission (rear-naked choke) WEC 23: Hot August Fights

Lemoore, California, United States Win

Troy Miller Submission (armbar) WEC 22: The Hitmen

Lemoore, California, United States Loss

Cory Cass Submission (armbar) WEC 20: Cinco de Mayhem

Lemoore, California, United States NC

Robert Breslin No contest (groin strike) WEC 17: Halloween Fury 4

Lemoore, California, United States Loss

Cole Escovedo TKO (leg injury) WEC 15: Judgment Day

Lemoore, California, United States Win

Joe Martin TKO (punches) WEC 12: Halloween Fury 3

Lemoore, California, United States Win

Gabriel Cruz Submission (punches) WEC 10: Bragging Rights

Lemoore, California, United States Win

Eric Ramirez TKO (punches) WEC 9: Cold Blooded

Lemoore, California, United States Win

A.J. Wieman Submission (rear-naked choke) WEC 8: Halloween Fury 2

Lemoore, California, United States Win

Johnny Fadella TKO (knees) WEC 7: This Time It's Personal

Lemoore, California, United States Win

Erick Husbands KO (punches) WEC 6: Return of a Legend

Lemoore, California, United States Professional boxing record

Win

UD 4 2009-03-21

Win

MD 4 2009-02-06

Win

TKO 1 (4), 1:32 2008-10-23