Poppies Martinez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Poppies Martinez |
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|---|---|
| Born | Juvencio Poppies Martinez August 19, 1983 Lemoore, California, United States |
| Other names | The Tachi Kid |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Weight | 145 lb (66 kg) |
| Division | Featherweight (145 lb) Lightweight (155 lb) Welterweight (170 lb) |
| Reach | 64 in (163 cm) |
| Fighting out of | Lemoore, California, United States |
| Team | Thrive MMA |
| Rank | Black belt in Kenpo Karate |
| Years active | 2003–present |
| Professional boxing record | |
| Total | 3 |
| Wins | 3 |
| By knockout | 1 |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 41 |
| Wins | 29 |
| By knockout | 8 |
| By submission | 18 |
| By decision | 3 |
| Losses | 11 |
| By knockout | 4 |
| By submission | 7 |
| No contests | 1 |
Poppies Martinez (born August 19, 1983) is an American Native American athlete. He is a professional mixed martial artist from the Tachi Yokuts tribe. He competes in the Lightweight division for Bellator. Poppies Martinez started his professional career in 2003. He has also competed in other fighting groups like the WEC, Palace Fighting Championship, and Tachi Palace Fights.
Contents
About Poppies Martinez
Poppies Martinez was born and grew up in Lemoore, California. When he was in high school at Lemoore High School, he was part of the wrestling team. Besides wrestling, he also trained in Kenpo Karate and earned a black belt. This means he is very skilled in this martial art.
Mixed Martial Arts Journey
Starting His MMA Career
Poppies Martinez began training in mixed martial arts when he was 19 years old. He had his first professional fight in 2003 with the WEC. He fought only for the WEC until 2006.
Fighting for Local Titles
From 2007 to 2014, Martinez mainly fought for two groups: Palace Fighting Championship (PFC) and Tachi Palace Fights (TPF). Most of their events took place in his hometown of Lemoore, California, at the Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino.
On March 22, 2007, he fought for the PFC Lightweight Championship but lost. However, he got another chance on October 18, 2007. He won the PFC Interim Lightweight Championship by TKO in the first round. This made him a champion!
Later, on August 22, 2013, Martinez fought for the TPF Lightweight Championship. He won this title by making his opponent give up in the first round. He became the new Lightweight Champion.
Then, on February 6, 2014, he won the TPF Featherweight Championship. This was a big achievement because he became the only fighter to hold two TPF championship belts at the same time!
Fighting in Bellator MMA
Martinez joined Bellator MMA and had his first fight with them on October 4, 2013. He won his second fight in Bellator on April 11, 2014, by making his opponent give up. He continued to compete in Bellator for a few more fights.
Family Life
Poppies Martinez is married and has eight children. His brother, Andrew "Mickey" Martinez, is also a professional mixed martial artist. Mickey competes in the Heavyweight division and has also fought for Tachi Palace Fights.
Championships and Awards
Mixed Martial Arts
- Tachi Palace Fights
- TPF Lightweight Championship (Won one time; currently holds)
- TPF Featherweight Championship (Won one time; currently holds)
- Palace Fighting Championship
- PFC Interim Lightweight Championship (Won one time)
See also
- List of male mixed martial artists
- List of current Bellator fighters
