David Martinez basking in opportunity to light up home Mexico fans in UFC debut

MEXICO CITY – David Martinez met the media Wednesday ahead of his fight at UFC on ESPN 64.

David Martinez (11-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) takes on Saimon Oliveira (18-5 MMA, 0-2 UFC) on the main card at Arena CDMX in Mexico City. At the event’s media day, Martinez took questions from media members before his fight.

Martinez, from Mexico, punched his ticket to the UFC on DWCS this past fall. The ex-Combate Global bantamweight champion has nine of his 11 wins by knockout, and hopes that trend continues Saturday against Oliveira for a memorable debut.

“I’m feeling great and very happy about making my debut in the UFC, and what better scenario than to have your debut in Mexico in front of a crowd – I’m very excited about that,” Martinez told MMA Junkie. “It’s been a while since I fought here – fighting in the capital, fighting in front of everybody, in front of my friends, family – it’s perfect.”

But even with all the potential pressure of the environment and atmosphere and circumstances ready to come into play, Martinez thinks he can continue to do what he’s used to doing.

And that’s finishing fights.

“Saimon is a guy who’s fought in the organization, fought on (DWCS) as well and somebody who’s shown he’s got good striking, also – muay Thai base, and jiu-jitsu. I think this fight could go anywhere,” Martinez said. “But I’m very ready for it, and where the fight goes, I’m prepared.”

Check out Martinez’s full media day interview in the video above.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 64.