Terry Martin (fighter) facts for kids

Terry L. Martin (born October 10, 1980) is an American mixed martial artist. He used to compete in the Middleweight division. Terry Martin has been a professional MMA fighter since 2003. He has fought for big organizations like the UFC and Strikeforce.

Terry Martin's Early Life and Education

Terry Martin grew up in Chicago, Illinois. When he was 10, he joined a street gang. At 15, in 1996, he was seriously injured in a shooting. After he recovered, Martin decided to leave gang life behind. He focused on his education instead. He was the first person in his family to finish high school.

Since then, Terry Martin has earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a master's degree. He is also studying to get a doctoral degree at the Adler School of Psychology in Chicago. He wrestled when he was at Northern Illinois University. Terry Martin now uses his fame from mixed martial arts to talk to kids in cities. He encourages them to stay in school and work hard.

Terry Martin's Boxing Career

Terry Martin started his professional boxing career on April 12, 2008. In his first fight, he won by knockout in just 40 seconds. He won his next four boxing matches by knockout too. On November 21, 2012, he had his first loss as a professional boxer. He was stopped in the third round by Dimar Ortuz.

Terry Martin's Mixed Martial Arts Journey

Starting His MMA Career

Terry Martin began his professional MMA career in 2002. His first fight was a loss to Stephan Bonnar. But after that, he won his next ten fights in a row! This impressive winning streak led him to sign with the UFC.

Fighting in the UFC

Terry Martin's first fight in the UFC was on August 20, 2005, at UFC 54. He fought James Irvin, who was a former champion. Martin did very well in the first round. However, in the second round, he was knocked out by a flying knee.

After leaving the UFC for a short time, Martin fought twice in another promotion called King of the Cage. He won both of those fights. He then returned to the UFC at UFC 59 to fight Jason Lambert. Martin lost this fight in the second round.

Terry Martin then won two more fights outside the UFC. He came back to the UFC at UFC 67 to fight Jorge Rivera. This was his first fight in the Middleweight division. Martin knocked out Rivera in just 14 seconds of the first round! He then fought Ivan Salaverry at UFC 71. Martin won again in the first round with a suplex and punches.

Next, Martin fought Chris Leben at UFC Fight Night 11. Martin lost this fight by knockout in the third round. His next opponent was Marvin Eastman at UFC 81. Eastman won the fight by decision. After two losses in a row, Terry Martin was released from the UFC.

After the UFC

After leaving the UFC, Terry Martin fought in other major promotions. He competed at Affliction: Banned against Vitor Belfort. Martin was knocked out in the second round.

Terry Martin then made his debut in Strikeforce on September 20, 2008. He fought Cory Devela and won by knockout in the third round. However, his next Strikeforce fight was against Scott Smith. Martin lost this fight by knockout in only 24 seconds.

Fighting in Independent Promotions

Since his fight with Scott Smith, Terry Martin has continued to compete. He has won 5 fights and lost 5 fights in various independent promotions.

Terry Martin's Achievements

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
  • Knockout of the Night (One time)

See also

• List of male mixed martial artists