Roque Martinez (12-4-2) is already recognized as the No. 1 ranked mixed martial artist in the pro heavyweight division in South East Asia and is considered a top contender in Japan and Korea. So, for all the doubters out there, Sunday’s dominant first-round submission win over Jerome “Geronimo” Le Banner (3-3) at the Rizin Fighting World Grand Prix 2017 Autumn: Aki no Jin, held in Fukuoka, Japan, should quiet any critics.
Martinez started the match stalking Le Banner, trying to seize any opportunity to get the big Frenchmen onto the canvas. Martinez had hinted his strategy was going to be to pressure and to stay inside on the powerful kicks and knockout power of Le Banner, patiently waiting for the right time to take him to the ground.
The shredded Le Banner, 41, who is no slouch to the ground game and has a black belt in Judo, entered the fight in great shape. Before the match, chat rooms were blowing up with a majority of fans expecting the experience and kicking power of Le Banner to give Martinez trouble. But, this just wasn’t the case.
Having recognized that the most effective tactic against the ferocious kickboxer would be to take his legs away, with Le Banner trying to batter the Guamanian heavyweight with kicks, Martinez made his move, shot forward for a double leg takedown, toppling his opponent on his back.
“He was kind of telegraphing on his kick. I stepped in and got on top of him,” said Martinez. Once in position, Martinez was able to use his size to keep Le Banner neutralized. For the remainder of the short bout, Martinez used his size and power to his advantage and remained on top of a confused Le Banner.
For a moment, it looked as if Le Banner was going to be able to slip out of danger, but Martinez kept the pressure on and again seized a small opening, locking in a scarf choke hold that immediately had Le Banner squirming, forcing the Frenchman to surrender and tap out at the 2:09 mark in the opening round.
“In my head I was thinking I wanted to wear him down,” explained Martinez. “But, the opportunity popped up and I got a good hold,” said the Deep Impact heavyweight champ.
“I think I’m developing into a smarter fighter,” said Martinez. His recent eight-fight unbeaten streak, spanning back to June 2011 when he loss to Kelvin “The Big Hit” Fitial, has featured a spectrum of fighters from ground specialists to stand-up power-punchers. “There is so much training that goes into preparing for a fight ... you learn from your wins and losses,” added Martinez.
Martinez shared that the experience at Rizin, in front of very passionate Japanese fans, was indescribable. “The fans are amazing. I can’t even explain it. It was a great experience,” said Martinez.
Without hesitation, or resting on his laurels, Martinez said he expects to be back in the gym this weekend and credits the atmosphere at Spike 22/Steel Athletics, as well as the success of a number of fighters, with continuing to feed his unfettered motivation and drive. “Definitely gym morale is pretty high, a lot of guys finding success and everyone feeding off that energy,” said Martinez.
Martinez’s win further solidifies his heavyweight top-contender status and welcomes his next opportunity, wherever and whenever it occurs. Martinez’s goal is to continue to give his best and to fight the best. “At this point in my career, I need the bigger fights to keep my name out there. I want a big-name opponent,” Martinez said.