Isaque Sandman Martinez is ready for the big time.
After winning 12 of 14 professional Mixed Martial Arts fights for King of the Cage, the 30-year-old wants to go to the next level and get a title shot.
Martinez recently signed a one-year, four-fight minimum deal with KOTC at 185 pounds. If he wins the first two fights of the contract, the Sandman will get a title shot at the middleweight (171-185 pounds) belt against current champion, Brandon Hunt.
Thats my dream. To be the champion. Thats what all the hard works for, man, is to have the title, Martinez said.
First things first, though. Martinez must beat his opponents, and that starts tonight against Dwight Parker (4-3) at the KOTC, Underground 71 main event inside the Ute Mountain Casino in Towaoc.
I want to prove to King of the Cage why Im getting this title shot. Im excited, said Martinez, fighting out of Montezuma Martial Arts Studio in Cortez.
Parker, a native of Rock Springs, Wyo., has a strong wrestling background and Martinez describes him as well rounded, which is similar to Javier Rubio, the last opponent Martinez defeated. The bout with Rubio was the first time the Sandman was pushed to the third round.
I was really tested as far as my cardio, said Martinez, about fighting Rubio. I feel like Im in the best shape of my life. Ive grown since my last fight the most. Im not underestimating this guy (Parker) by any means, but Im ready. Im the most confident in my ability throughout any fight. If I lose, its because hes better than me.
Martinez will fight again on Jan. 12, 2012 at the Winstar World Casino in Thackerville, Okla.
The womens 125-pound pro fight will feature local favorite Elsie Henri (5-4), of McElmo Canyon, taking on Brenda Gonzales.
Two 145-pound Montezuma Martial Arts fighters are on the amateur bill, as well as a 185-pounder.
Manny Ruiz, 19, looks to up his record to 2-1 and win his second straight fight against a competitor yet to be determined. Ruiz and Montezuma Martial Arts trainer Kaan Clark have prepared for every style of fighting going into tonight.
Its good to have a game plan, but its better to be well rounded. That way, youre ready for whatever, Ruiz said. If Im fighting a wrestler and I get put on my back, I know where Im at on my back and I can throw him in a submission hold. If I fight a guy stand up, I work a lot on boxing and kick boxing. Im good on my stand up and good on my feet.
Joe Trevino, 22, will make his MMA debut tonight. He has trained for a year at Montezuma Martial Arts and his ready for the cage.
I just feel like Im ready now. These guys are exciting, exhausting, you name it, said Trevino about training at Montezuma Martial Arts. You work hard here. You dont get to play around. You come out with what you put in. Im hoping to come out with the best.
Trevino says he is a counter fighter, meaning he counteracts an opponents every first move. But if the opportunity presents itself, Trevino says he will strike first.
Clark feels the most difficult aspect of a first fight is controlling ones emotions.
Its seriously psychological. Its all mental, said Clark, whos 2-0 in the cage. Its definitely a lot better the second time around. The first time, youre standing in line and waiting to walk out there. Its just you, the referee and another guy. You hear that, You ready? You ready? Its a little nerve wracking. One of the things you cant really train for is that type of nervousness. Being nervous takes energy away from you.
One fighter that can relate is Dominic Gurule. He lost his first fight back on Jan. 22, by unanimous decision. Gurule, 21, was worn out physically by Gabe Chavez at 185 pounds.
Dont let it go to the judges, Gurule said about his next fight. I need to go constant pace and keep my head in the game. (I need to) not let him get the best of me. (I will) just fight my hardest, man. It (a win) would mean everything. I would be on my start to a whole new league of cage fighting.
Doors open at the Ute Mountain Casino today at 5:30 p.m. with the fights beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased through the Ute Mountain Casino Gift Shop or by calling 800-258-8007. Its an all ages event, but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Reach Bobby Abplanalp at bobbya@cortezjournal.com.