
By Robert Balajadia
Coming off the biggest fight of his MMA Career right in the middle of his prime, Guam’s Roque Martinez (13-5-2) feels he still has plenty to show to the MMA world. Martinez is gearing up for his first fight this weekend in Deep 88 Impact since falling victim to a referee decision in his iconic fight against the legend Mirko Cro Cop last September.
The loss to Cro Cop was a speed bump in Martinez’s rampant tear since coming out of retirement in 2017, but it has added a fresh perspective and a new mindset for Guam’s champ.
“I need to finish my opponents faster,” said Martinez on his biggest takeaway from his last fight. “It taught me a lot about myself and there’s things that aren’t in my control. But I need to finish my opponents faster. I worked more on my mental focus and I’ve tapped into another level of how hard I can push myself.”
A more aggressive start is something Martinez is ready to display in his upcoming fight against Japan’s Ryo Sakai (8-8) in the heavyweight battle for the 265 lb belt on March 9th, this Saturday and patience won’t be a virtue for Martinez this time around.
“I train my cardio to go five rounds if I need to, but I have set a goal in this fight. I want to win this fight in within the first 30 seconds. Get in, get out healthy and get ready for my next fight,” added Martinez.
Roque credits his high level cardio training to Ray Chargualaf and Steve Sablan at Custom Fitness, which has only complimented his training with Spike 22.
Martinez touched down in Japan Thursday as he readies for the weekend’s bout.
Reflecting on Cro Cop
News broke a few days ago that Martinez’s last opponent Cro Cop had announced retirement after suffering a stroke. Cro Cop was coming off a victory over Roy Nelson in 2019 with Martinez being the only fighter Mirko had fought a year prior. Martinez reflected on Cro Cop’s retirement announcement as a fan and colleague.
“Prior to fighting [Cro Cop], I was definitely a fan and it hit me pretty hard when I found out that he had a stroke. As a person, I care for MMA competitors and you never want to see that happen. I hope he gets a full recovery. He’s done so much for the sport and I just hope he manages to enjoy his post fight career,” said Martinez.
Lasty, Martinez wanted to thank his family, friends and fans who have been showing the heavyweight unwavering support.
“I’m always thank my family, friends and those who’ve had my back from Day 1. To have everyone still by my side after everything I’ve gone through is amazing and I’m grateful for everyone’s support.”
Deep 88 Impact Fight Promo


GPS Sports Calendar
December 2023
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
Events for November
1st
ISA BOYS SOCCER
IIAAG GIRLS BASKETBALL
ISA GIRLS BASKETBALL
Events for December
2nd
IRON LEGENDS THROWDOWN
ISA HS BASEBALL
HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING
Events for December
4th
IIAAG BOYS SOCCER
ISA BOYS SOCCER
ISA GIRLS BASKETBALL
Events for December
5th
ISA HS BASEBALL
ISA GIRLS BASKETBALL
IIAAG GIRLS BASKETBALL QUARTERFINALS
Events for December
5th
Events for December
7th
ISA HS BASEBALL
IIAAG BOYS SOCCER PLAYOFFS
Events for December
9th
40th GRC PLUMERIA ROAD RACE
GUAM RUGBY INTERNATIONAL 7s TOURNAMENT
ISA HS BASEBALL
HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING
IIAAG GIRLS BASKETBALL SEMIFINALS
Events for December
10th
TOUR OF GUAM 2023
GUAM RUGBY INTERNATIONAL 7s TOURNAMENT
Events for December
11th
ISA HS BASEBALL
IIAAG BOYS SOCCER SEMIFINALS
Events for December
12th
ISA HS BASEBALL
ISA GIRLS BASKETBALL
Events for December
12th
Events for December
14th
ISA HS BASEBALL
IIAAG BOYS SOCCER FINALS
Events for December
15th
ISA GIRLS BASKETBALL
IIAAG GIRLS BASKETBALL FINALS
Events for December
16th
3rd GUAM NINJA CHAMPIONSHIP
ISA HS BASEBALL
HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING
Events for December
16th
Events for December
18th
IIAAG BOYS SOCCER ALL-ISLAND MEETING
Events for December
19th
ISA HS BASEBALL
ISA GIRLS BASKETBALL
Events for December
19th
Events for December
23rd
HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING
ISA HS BASEBALL FINALS
Events for December
23rd
Events for December
24th
Events for December
25th
Events for December
27th
Events for December
29th
- 31
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Events for December
30th

Baseball
ROYALS DOWN FRIARS IN STATEMENT GAME

Basketball
3×3 HOOPS REPEAT AS GOLDEN BOYS

Basketball
RAPADAS LEADS WILD COUGAR COMEBACK

Baseball
GUAM HOSTS KIWIS IN U15 BASEBALL

Baseball
ROYALS DOWN FRIARS IN STATEMENT GAME

Basketball
SHARKS FEND OFF DOLPHINS IN GIRLS HOOPS

Basketball
3×3 HOOPS REPEAT AS GOLDEN BOYS
COMING SOON …
- IIAAG Girls Basketball Playoffs