
By Robert Balajadia
The champ is back!
After announcing retirement over nine months ago, heavyweight Roque Martinez made his return to MMA in a big way. Martinez traveled to Japan over the weekend where he faced off against Jaideep Singh for Japan Deep Imact’s megaton division title.
Martinez walked away a unanimous decision victory and nearly put away the taller Singh in the final round to claim the title.
“There was a little bit of cage rust, but I could have performed better. I should have been able to put him away in the final round, but he retreated and didn’t want to engage,” said Martinez.
Martinez gave credit to him camp, who even brought in special training with a taller kick-boxer to better prepare for his fight against Singh. Although, a secret to his success was having his biggest fan there. Standing on the sidelines was his mother Odessa, which has become a mainstay for Martinez in his fighting career no matter where he’s fighting
“It’s huge to have her there. I’m really close with my mom and it makes a big difference knowing someone like her has her back, I love it.”
Martinez gained confidence in his ability to return to MMA after performing at high levels in his off-time workouts.
“I felt like I still have so much left to offer and that maybe it wasn’t time to hang it up,” said Roque on his imminent return. “I was always on the fence about it, but when Deep Impact offered me a title shot I felt that I couldn’t turn it down.”
Rizin Fighting Federation’s Sakakibara Nobuyuki met with Martinez after the fight and stated how they want to put him on their event.
“Rizin is a huge production and I know they promote their fighters like superstars,” said Martinez of the opportunity.
With UFC Japan also setting up in September, Martinez also explained that there lies another big chance if he can catch the UFC’s radar.


GPS Sports Calendar
May 2023
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
Events for April
1st
IIAAG GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS VOLLEYBALL
Events for May
2nd
ISA GIRLS SOFTBALL
ISA BOYS VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG BOYS VOLLEYBALL
Events for May
2nd
Events for May
4th
ISA GIRLS SOFTBALL
ISA BOYS VOLLEYBALL
Events for May
5th
IIAAG GIRLS SOCCER QUARTERFINALS
IIAAG BOYS VOLLEYBALL QUARTERFINALS
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Events for May
6th
ISA GIRLS SOFTBALL
ISA BOYS VOLLEYBALL
UOG BASEBALL CLASSIC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
WOMEN’S FLAG FOOTBALL SEMIFINALS
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Events for May
7th
MONSTER ENERGY MOTOCROSS ROUND 5
Events for May
8th
IIAAG GIRLS SOCCER SEMIFINALS
ISA BOYS VOLLEYBALL
TRITON MEN’S BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Events for May
9th
ISA GIRLS SOFTBALL SEMIFINALS
ISA BOYS VOLLEYBALL ALL-STAR MEETING
IIAAG BOYS VOLLEYBALL SEMIFINALS
Events for May
9th
Events for May
12th
IIAAG GIRLS SOCCER FINALS
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Events for May
13th
HIGH SCHOOL PADDLING FINALS
ISA GIRLS SOFTBALL FINALS
ISA BOYS VOLLEYBALL FINALS
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Events for May
13th
Events for May
21st
MONSTER ENERGY MOTOCROSS ROUND 8
Events for May
21st
Events for May
22nd
Events for May
23rd
Events for May
24th
- 28
- 29
- 30
- 31
- 1
- 2
- 3
Events for May
28th
MONSTER ENERGY MOTOCROSS ROUND 6
Events for May
28th
Events for May
29th
Events for May
30th

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