June 2005 Fighter of the Month

VALOR'S June 2005 Fighter of the Month: Jay Martinez
You may walk past Jay Martinez on the streets and not look twice. You may not look at this 6 foot 1, 195 pound guy and think “Hey, there is a Mixed Martial Arts expert.” Aside from that, you may not know he has won titles from all over throughout an illustrious and ongoing 17 year career. Martinez says that it is much more likely that you look at him and say, “He is too good looking to be fighting!” These are just a couple of reasons you should never judge a book by it’s cover. Martinez is a well rounded fighter who exemplifies what Valor looks for in their fighters. He is well spoken, intelligent, and gracious outside the ring, and intense, aggressive and has a never say die attitude within the confines of the MMA world. Because of his tremendous skill in the ring, and his desire to fight the best in the world, Martinez will headline a huge Valor card; Home of The Brave, on July 2 featuring fellow Valor fighters Vernon “Tiger” White, Shannon “The Cannon” Ritch and Kit Cope. Ken Shamrock, Randy Couture, and Bruce Buffer will also be making appearances at the show and taking a look at Valor's top talent such as Jay Martinez. Based on everything Jay Martinez brings to Valor Fighting, he is a prototype of why Valor is the next generation of Mixed Martial Arts, as well as why Jay Martinez is the June 2005 Valor Fighter of the Month! Below is an interview conducted with Jay Martinez, which aside from talking about his career in MMA, delves into what Jay Martinez himself is about. Valor wants you, the fans, to know our fighters on a personal level, and not just great fighters. Our fighters are real people, down to earth, and great to all of our fans. That is why we get you closer to the fighters than ever before. So enjoy the read, and keep checking back for more information on Valor events, as well as more Valor Fighter profiles and features.	Represents: United Mixed Martial Arts; Shark Tank Height: 6’1” Weight: 195 lbs. DOB: March 16, 1967 Birthplace: Whittier, CA Years Training: 17 years Educational History: 3 years completed in college Inspirations: Ernesto Hoost Current Record: 19-3-1 Career Highlights: Won Hawaiian Superbrawl Heavyweight Tournament; Won Hawaiian Superbrawl Light Heavyweight match; Extreme Fighting Champion; Orange County Grand Prix Champion; Neutral Grounds Champion
What are your goals in life? I want to be remembered as a good fighter and a true competitor. What is your life philosophy? If you put enough into it, you will get enough out. How did you get started fighting? As a child in the first grade, I wanted to fight, so my father put me in boxing. Who has trained you, and in what specialty? Eddy Millis in kickboxing; Eric Poulson in grappling. What sports have you played in the past? Boxing & Wrestling. *Why do you* fight? I LOVE IT. Do you have a regular job, if so, what is it? I own a martial arts studio, and I used to be in real estates investments. Tell me some interesting facts about yourself. I’m tall, and good looking! Tell me about the person you are. I am a great friend. Give me a (brief) history of you career, major fights, big wins, losses, & memories. I take every fight seriously, from the smallest competition to the biggest competition. What is the worst injury you have suffered thus far, and how did it happen? I have had a lot of injuries; dislocated knee, dislocated elbow, broke both my ankles, I have had my teeth knocked out and had to have them put back in, multiple lacerations on my face, broken wrists, broken fingers, etc. What is your favorite hold, move, etc? My favorite submission is the rear naked choke, and I love the left hook, right cross combination. Are you married, do you have any kids? Not married and no kids yet. Anything Else you would like to say to the fans? I just want to fight and see Valor grow with the competition. FAVORITES: Color: Yellow & Red Movie: Vision Quest Fighter: Bas Rutten Food: Sushi Music: Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, & Whitney Houston Book: Fiddler on the Roof TV Show: LA Law Movie Star: Clint Eastwood Sport: Tennis Athlete: Jerry Rice Sports Team: Iowa Hawkeyes Wrestling Team Hobby:** I like to remodel houses Click Here to see Martinez' Fighter Bio Valor Fighter of the Month Archives