Ige Reveals Why He Asked For Martinez At Noche UFC

Dan Ige once swore off competing at bantamweight but personally requested David Martinez for his 135-pound debut at Noche UFC this weekend.

The Hawaiian told Just Scrap Radio on BJPenn.com that he broke all his speed records at the Performance Institute during camp, which gave him confidence to pursue a ranked opponent immediately. When UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby said the promotion wanted to land him someone ranked, Ige floated Martinez and the Noche UFC date himself.

Ige Eyes Title Run After Bantamweight Move

Ige said the weight drop happened almost by accident. A month after his last fight, he was still sitting at fight-week weight while recovering from injuries, which prompted conversations with his team and the PI staff about whether 135 was viable. "To be completely honest, there was a time I told myself I would never consider it, and I thought I'd fight at lightweight before I fought at bantamweight," he said, per BJPenn.com.

He expects Martinez to bring movement, kicks, and evasive timing but believes his power and experience will be the difference. Ige said he is preparing for a three-round war but predicts a finish that puts him in the rankings.

The former featherweight contender framed the move as a chance to reset his title pursuit. "It feels like a fresh slate; it feels like my UFC debut again. I have the drive to go out and get a title," he said. Ige and Martinez are set to clash Saturday night in Glendale.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Dan Ige asked for David Martinez at Noche UFC for his bantamweight debut: ‘I have the drive to go out and get a title’