Martinez Picks Almeida Apart, Ruins Return

Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Thomas Almeida and Jonathan Martinez faced off in a Bantamweight bout tonight (Sat., Oct. 17, 2020) at UFC Fight Island 6 from inside Flash Forum on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Following a fun bout, Martinez’s hand was raised.

Both men opened the fight trading kicks. Martinez snapped his foe’s head back with a stiff jab. Almeida landed a glancing high kick to the face. Martinez was really committed to his front kick, which kept Almeida back well, and he landed another check right hand when Almeida tried to push forward. Double jab scores for Martinez. Another! Almeida countered a front kick with a good combination. Martinez stepped into a knee to the body and followed with a left hook. Almeida dug a good low kick. Martinez found a home for the left hook once more, and he finished the round with a couple more heavy connections.

Almeida opened the second round with a pair of outside low kicks, but Martinez fired back quickly. Almeida scored to the body with a cross. Martinez returned to his Southpaw jab. Almeida attempted a takedown, score slightly with a knee on the break. Almeida’s face began to bleed, likely from his foe’s active jab. Almeida countered the jab with a good right hand. Martinez landed part of his high kick through the guard, then kicked into the mid-section for good measure. Martinez’s jab just kept landing, and it scored hard. The two traded heavy power shots, a knee for Martinez and left hook from Almeida. Another shot from Almeida was stuffed. Almeida scored with a right hand over the top. Martinez returned the favor with a harder left hook. Both men scored in an exchange near the bell.

Though the second was better than the first, Almeida likely needed something major with five minutes remaining. Martinez kept finding a thudding home for his jab into the final frame. Then, he stuffed a takedown and landed a knee. Almeida scored to the body. Martinez scored with more counter punches as Almeida tried to grow more aggressive. Martinez’s lead hand was simply money, both with the jabs and counters. Almeida did land a nice overhand, however. Huge left hand connected for Martinez! Another big left from Martinez wobbled his opponent’s knees. Martinez appeared to be in complete control, until a 1-2 from Almeida stung him in return! The Brazilian was unable to build much from it though, as Martinez returned to his jab and kicks. Martinez landed another left over the top. Martinez slipped an Almeida combination nicely. Big knee and left hand scored for Martinez. Almeida drove in deep on a takedown in the final seconds of the round, but it was not meant to be.

Though Almeida did not perform poorly considering his extended layoff, Martinez was simply a step ahead. His jab gave the Brazilian all sorts of problems, and his powerful left leg was on display as well. Martinez may just develop into a contender!

Result: Jonathan Martinez defeats Thomas Almeida via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

For complete UFC Fight Island 6: “Jung vs. Ortega” results and play-by-play, click HERE!

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