David Martinez, a two-time former Eternal MMA lightweight champion, is preparing for one of the biggest fights of his storied career. On February 8th in Sydney, Australia, Martinez will headline Eternal 92, taking on Stephen Costello for the welterweight title. Known as a mainstay in the Australian regional MMA scene, Martinez has become a name that up-and-comers aim to challenge, hoping to bolster their own reputations. However, the seasoned fighter had words of caution for potential challengers.
“Seems like everyone wants to get to the bigger promotions, but unfortunately for all of them, I seem to be standing in the way and dragging them back down to earth,” Martinez shared during our recent interview.
A Dominant 2024
Martinez had a banner year in 2024, winning all three of his bouts and extending his dominance in Eternal MMA. His most recent fight at Eternal MMA 90 saw him face Brentin Mumford in a thrilling contest. The bout started with Mumford blitzing forward aggressively, catching Martinez off guard.
“I wasn’t expecting that start from him,” Martinez admitted. “He clipped me with a wheel kick, and I had to go into damage control mode.”
The tide turned when Martinez landed a clean check hook that shifted the momentum. The fight eventually hit the canvas, where Martinez showcased his grappling pedigree, locking in an arm-triangle submission at 2:53 of the first round.
This victory marked Martinez’s debut at welterweight, a move prompted by the toll of repeated weight cuts to make the lightweight limit.
“I was having trouble with back-to-back weight cuts, trying to force my body to go through things it didn’t want to,” he explained. When Eternal MMA offered him a fight at welterweight, Martinez jumped at the opportunity. “I can still get a fight without taxing my body with the weight cut. It was a win-win for me.”
New Weight Class, New Challenges
As Martinez continues his welterweight journey, he’s made key adjustments to his training. Spending more time at Team Compton Training Centre in Brisbane, he’s been working closely with teammates like Dom Mar Fan and Elliot Compton. The high-level training has bolstered his confidence heading into the clash with Costello.
“This fight’s gonna come down to my experience versus his size,” Martinez noted. “He looks big and imposing for welterweight… it’s a David vs. Goliath fight. I’m the smaller guy, but I’ve got the experience and the skillset [to win].”
Eyes on Eternal 92
For Martinez, the fight against Costello is more than just a title shot—it’s an opportunity to cement his legacy. Already one of the most recognizable figures in Australian MMA, a welterweight title would add another chapter to his remarkable regional MMA career.
With his sights set on another belt and a potentially bigger stage in the future, Martinez is laser-focused. The hunter has become the hunted, but he’s ready to show why he’s still at the top of the food chain.
Eternal 92 promises to be a pivotal moment for the veteran fighter. Can experience triumph over size? Fans won’t want to miss this showdown. Tickets can be purchased here. For those unable to attend the event in person, the fight will be available worldwide via UFC Fight Pass.
