Poppies Martinez

Poppies Martinez (born August 19, 1983) is a Native American professional mixed martial artist of the Tachi Yokuts tribe currently competing in the Lightweight division of Bellator. A professional competitor since 2003, he has also formerly competed for the California-based promotions, the WEC, Palace Fighting Championship, and Tachi Palace Fights.

Poppies Martinez
BornJuvencio Poppies Martinez
(1983-08-19) August 19, 1983[1]
Lemoore, California, United States
Other namesThe Tachi Kid
NationalityAmerican
Height5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
Weight145 lb (66 kg; 10 st 5 lb)
DivisionFeatherweight (145 lb)
Lightweight (155 lb)
Welterweight (170 lb)
Reach64 in (163 cm)[2]
Fighting out ofLemoore, California, United States
TeamThrive MMA
RankBlack belt in Kenpo Karate[3]
Years active2003–present
Professional boxing record
Total3
Wins3
By knockout1
Mixed martial arts record
Total41
Wins29
By knockout8
By submission18
By decision3
Losses11
By knockout4
By submission7
No contests1
Other information
Boxing record from BoxRec
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Background

Born and raised in Lemoore, California, Martinez competed in wrestling at Lemoore High School.[4] Martinez has also trained in Kenpo Karate and holds a black belt.[5]

Mixed martial arts career

Early career: World Extreme Cagefighting

Martinez began training in mixed martial arts at the age of 19 and made his professional debut in 2003 for the WEC. Martinez fought exclusively for the promotion until 2006.

Palace Fighting Championship and Tachi Palace Fights

From 2007 to 2014, Martinez fought mainly for Palace Fighting Championship, and after the organization's end, Tachi Palace Fights. Both organizations held most of their events in Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino at Martinez's hometown in Lemoore, California.[6]

Martinez fought for PFC Lightweight Championship on March 22, 2007 at PFC 2 against Shad Smith. He lost via submission due to a guillotine choke in the third round.

Martinez was scheduled to rematch Shad Smith on October 18, 2007 at PFC 4 for the PFC Lightweight Championship. However, Smith was forced to pull out of the bout after being medically suspended by CSAC. Martinez was rescheduled to face Brandon Jinnies at the same event for the PFC Interim Lightweight Championship.[7] He won via TKO early in the first round and became the PFC interim lightweight title holder.

Once again, Martinez fought for the PFC Lightweight Championship on January 17, 2008 at PFC 6 against Diego Saraiva and was defeated via submission due to a rear-naked choke in the first round.[8]

Martinez faced David Mitchell on July 9, 2010 at TPF 5: Stars and Strikes for the welterweight title. He lost via technical submission due to a triangle choke early in the first round.[9]

Martinez faced Christos Giagos on August 22, 2013 at TPF 16: The Return for the vacant TPF Lightweight Championship. Martinez defeated Giagos via submission due to a guillotine choke in the first round and became the new Lightweight Champion.[10]

Martinez also faced Chris Culley on February 6, 2014 at TPF 18: Martinez vs. Culley for the vacant TPF Featherweight Championship. He won via submission due to an anaconda choke in the first round and became the only fighter to hold two TPF belts simultaneously.[11]

Bellator MMA

Martinez made his promotional debut on October 4, 2013 at Bellator 102 against Brandon Girtz. He lost via submission due to an armbar early in the first round.[12]

Martinez next faced Josh Smith on April 11, 2014 at Bellator 116. He won via submission due to a guillotine choke at 3:50 of round one.[13]

In his third fight within the promotion, Martinez faced Bubba Jenkins at Bellator 122 on July 25, 2014.[14] He lost the fight via first-round TKO.

Martinez faced Julio Cesar Neves on September 19, 2014 at Bellator 125.[15] He lost via TKO in the first round.

Personal life

Martinez, who is married, has eight children and his brother, Andrew "Mickey" Martinez, is also a professional mixed martial artist who has competed for Tachi Palace Fights. Mickey competes in the Heavyweight division.[16][17]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Mixed martial arts record
Professional record breakdown
41 matches 29 wins 11 losses
By knockout 8 4
By submission 18 7
By decision 3 0
No contests 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 29–11 (1) Julio Cesar Neves TKO (punches) Bellator 125 September 19, 2014 1 2:16 Fresno, California, United States Featherweight bout.
Loss 29–10 (1) Bubba Jenkins TKO (punches) Bellator 122 July 25, 2014 1 4:10 Temecula, California, United States
Win 29–9 (1) Josh Smith Submission (guillotine choke) Bellator 116 April 11, 2014 1 3:50 Temecula, California, United States Return to Lightweight.
Win 28–9 (1) Chris Culley Submission (anaconda choke) Tachi Palace Fights 18: Martinez vs. Culley February 6, 2014 1 3:31 Lemoore, California, United States Won vacant TPF Featherweight Championship.
Loss 27–9 (1) Brandon Girtz Submission (armbar) Bellator 102 October 4, 2013 1 1:20 Visalia, California, United States
Win 27–8 (1) Christos Giagos Submission (guillotine choke) Tachi Palace Fights 16: The Return August 22, 2013 1 4:27 Lemoore, California, United States Won vacant TPF Lightweight Championship.
Win 26–8 (1) John Bond Submission Gladiator Challenge: Battleground March 24, 2013 1 1:10 San Jacinto, California, United States
Win 25–8 (1) Aaron King Submission (neck crank) Gladiator Challenge: Super Fight Night February 1, 2013 1 0:51 Lincoln, California, United States
Win 24–8 (1) Fernando Bernstein Decision (unanimous) Tachi Palace Fights 15: Collision Course November 15, 2012 3 5:00 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 23–8 (1) Mike Ryan TKO (punches) Gladiator Challenge: Heat Returns October 28, 2012 1 1:46 San Jacinto, California, United States
Win 22–8 (1) Alec Borilia TKO (punches) Gladiator Challenge September 29, 2012 1 0:50 San Diego, California, United States
Win 21–8 (1) Jason Drake Submission (heel hook) Tachi Palace Fights 14: Validation September 7, 2012 1 1:48 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 20–8 (1) Raymond Doxie TKO (doctor stoppage) Gladiator Challenge: World Class June 23, 2012 2 1:53 Lincoln, California, United States
Loss 19–8 (1) Tony Llamas Submission (guillotine choke) Tachi Palace Fights 13: Unfinished Business May 10, 2012 1 1:00 Lemoore, California, United States
Loss 19–7 (1) David Mitchell Technical submission (triangle choke) TPF 5: Stars and Strikes July 9, 2010 1 1:32 Lemoore, California, United States For TPF Welterweight Championship.
Win 19–6 (1) Darren Crisp Submission (armbar) TPF 4: Cinco de Mayhem May 5, 2010 1 2:46 Lemoore, California, United States
Loss 18–6 (1) Daniel Romero Submission (armbar) Gladiator Challenge: Chain Reaction December 12, 2009 1 2:59 Placerville, California, United States
Win 18–5 (1) Sergio Salcido Submission (guillotine choke) TPF 1: Tachi Palace Fights 1 October 8, 2009 2 3:21 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 17–5 (1) Tony Llamas Submission (armbar) PFC 11: All In November 20, 2008 1 1:51 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 16–5 (1) Sergio Cortez Decision (unanimous) PFC 10: Explosive September 26, 2008 3 3:00 Lemoore, California, United States
Loss 15–5 (1) Sergio Cortez TKO (injury) PFC 8: A Night of Champions April 26, 2008 1 2:57 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 15–4 (1) Jarod Saenz Submission (guillotine choke) PFC 7.5: New Blood April 26, 2008 1 0:31 Porterville, California, United States
Loss 14–4 (1) Diego Saraiva Submission (rear-naked choke) PFC 6: No Retreat, No Surrender January 17, 2008 1 2:08 Lemoore, California, United States For PFC Lightweight Championship.
Win 14–3 (1) Billy Terry Submission (kimura) Independent Event December 6, 2007 1 2:35 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 13–3 (1) Aaron Maldonado Submission (guillotine choke) PFC 5: Beatdown at 4 Bears November 10, 2007 1 1:22 New Town, North Dakota, United States Non-title bout.[18][19]
Win 12–3 (1) Brandon Jinnies TKO (punches) PFC 4: Project Complete October 18, 2007 1 1:23 Lemoore, California, United States Won PFC Interim Lightweight Championship.
Win 11–3 (1) Billy Terry Submission (rear-naked choke) Primal MMA: The Next Level August 11, 2007 1 2:00 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
Loss 10–3 (1) Shad Smith Submission (guillotine choke) PFC 2: Fast and Furious March 22, 2007 3 1:10 Lemoore, California, United States For PFC Lightweight Championship.
Win 10–2 (1) Josh Gardner Decision (unanimous) PFC 1: King of the Ring January 18, 2007 3 3:00 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 9–2 (1) Robert Breslin Submission (guillotine choke) WEC 24: Full Force October 12, 2006 1 0:52 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 8–2 (1) Gigo Jara Submission (rear-naked choke) WEC 23: Hot August Fights August 17, 2006 2 3:52 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 7–2 (1) Troy Miller Submission (armbar) WEC 22: The Hitmen July 28, 2006 1 0:50 Lemoore, California, United States
Loss 6–2 (1) Cory Cass Submission (armbar) WEC 20: Cinco de Mayhem May 5, 2006 1 0:47 Lemoore, California, United States
NC 6–1 (1) Robert Breslin No contest (groin strike) WEC 17: Halloween Fury 4 October 14, 2005 1 0:23 Lemoore, California, United States Breslin accidentally kicked Martinez in the groin at 0:23 of round one.[20]
Loss 6–1 Cole Escovedo TKO (leg injury) WEC 15: Judgment Day May 19, 2005 2 1:05 Lemoore, California, United States For Tachi Palace Native American Championship.
Win 6–0 Joe Martin TKO (punches) WEC 12: Halloween Fury 3 October 21, 2004 2 4:41 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 5–0 Gabriel Cruz Submission (punches) WEC 10: Bragging Rights May 21, 2004 1 0:30 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 4–0 Eric Ramirez TKO (punches) WEC 9: Cold Blooded January 16, 2004 1 3:15 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 3–0 A.J. Wieman Submission (rear-naked choke) WEC 8: Halloween Fury 2 October 17, 2003 1 2:01 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 2–0 Johnny Fadella TKO (knees) WEC 7: This Time It's Personal August 9, 2003 1 0:51 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 1–0 Erick Husbands KO (punches) WEC 6: Return of a Legend March 27, 2003 1 0:10 Lemoore, California, United States

Professional boxing record
3 Wins (1 knockout, 2 decisions), 0 Losses, 0 Draws
Res. Record Opponent Type Rd., Time Date Location Notes
Win 3–0 Jovanni Rubio UD 4 2009-03-21 Playboy Mansion, Beverly Hills, California, United States
Win 2–0 Yonas Gebreegziabher MD 4 2009-02-06 Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino, Lemoore, California, United States
Win 1–0 Ben Witthar TKO 1 (4), 1:32 2008-10-23 Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino, Lemoore, California, United States

See also

References
  1. "Poppies Martinez's profile". Bellator.com. Retrieved June 23, 2014.
  2. "Poppies Martinez's profile". Tapology.com. Retrieved June 23, 2014.
  3. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-04-02. Retrieved 2015-03-26.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  4. http://hanfordsentinel.com/sports/local/the-journey-continues-for-lemoore-s-martinez/article_001dbfbd-a40c-5a26-923a-f34d9b406509.html
  5. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-04-02. Retrieved 2015-03-26.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  6. Mike Whitman (March 29, 2013). "Update: tribal council reverses decision, Tachi Palace Fights to return in August". Sherdog.com. Retrieved June 23, 2014.
  7. John Chandler (October 16, 2007). "Jinnies to replace Smith at PFC 4". MMAontap.com. Retrieved June 23, 2014.
  8. Keith Mills (January 20, 2008). "Palace Fighting Championships 6 results". Adcombat.com. Archived from the original on October 13, 2014. Retrieved June 23, 2014.
  9. Joseph Zigler and Jeff Sherwood (July 10, 2010). "McCullough stops de Jesus, Alessio chokes out War Machine at TPF". Sherdog.com. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
  10. Joseph Zigler (August 23, 2013). "Poppies Martinez, Art Arciniega capture titles at Tachi Palace Fights 16". Sherdog.com. Retrieved June 23, 2014.
  11. Mike Whitman (February 6, 2014). "Poppies Martinez, Joe Soto strike Tachi Palace Fights gold at TPF 18". Sherdog.com. Retrieved June 23, 2014.
  12. Staff (October 5, 2013). "Bellator 102 results: Kongo flattens Godbeer, Queiroz whacks Johnson". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved June 23, 2014.
  13. Brian Knapp (April 11, 2014). "Blagoi Ivanov submits Lavar Johnson in Bellator 116 heavyweight tournament semifinal". Sherdog.com. Retrieved June 23, 2014.
  14. Jason Floyd (June 10, 2014). "Bubba Jenkins drops to featherweight, meets Poppies Martinez at Bellator 122". themmareport.com. Retrieved August 18, 2014.
  15. "James Irvin Injured, Replacement Bout Announced For Bellator 125". mmanews.com. August 29, 2014. Retrieved September 13, 2014.
  16. http://www.srmma.com/2013/08/source-says-poor-finanicial-reporting.html
  17. http://hanfordsentinel.com/sports/local/the-journey-continues-for-lemoore-s-martinez/article_001dbfbd-a40c-5a26-923a-f34d9b406509.html
  18. Press release (November 7, 2007). "PFC heads to North Dakota for "beatdown at 4 bears"". Sherdog.com. Retrieved June 23, 2014.
  19. Press release (November 12, 2007). "Imes highlights – PFC 5". Sherdog.com. Retrieved June 23, 2014.
  20. Loretta Hunt (October 14, 2005). "WEC 17: Halloween Fury 4 all treat, few tricks". FCFighter.com. Retrieved June 23, 2014.
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