Dan Ige drops to bantamweight, faces David Martinez at Noche UFC

Dan Ige will drop to bantamweight for the first time in his UFC career when he meets David Martinez at UFC Fight Night 288 on Sept. 12 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, Sherdog reports.

The move comes after Ige dropped four of his last five fights at featherweight. His stock peaked in 2024 when he stepped in on hours' notice against Diego Lopes and pushed the former title challenger through a tough decision. Since then, the slide has forced a rethink. Ige recently completed a test cut to verify he can safely make 135 pounds.

Martinez brings 10-fight win streak to Noche UFC

Martinez will have the Desert Diamond crowd in his corner for the fourth edition of Noche UFC. The 27-year-old Mexican prospect has won 10 straight since 2021, including three inside the Octagon after earning his contract on Dana White's Contender Series. His UFC run already includes wins over veterans Rob Font and Marlon Vera.

Ige holds a 19-11 record but has struggled to recapture the form that once put him in featherweight contention. Martinez is 14-1 and climbing the bantamweight ladder fast. The bout marks Ige's first crack at a new division and Martinez's first test against a former 145-pound staple.

UFC Fight Night 288 takes place Sept. 12 in Glendale with Ige and Martinez expected on the main card.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Dan Ige makes the move to 135, meets David Martinez in September