Dan Ige is eyeing a fresh start at bantamweight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Ige is set to make his 135-pound debut against David Martinez at UFC Fight Night 288 on Sept. 12 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, in what will be the fourth edition of Noche UFC.
Former featherweight contender Dan Ige looks to revive his UFC career against surging David Martinez
Ige’s (19-11) stock was at its highest when he accepted a fight against Diego Lopes on a few hours’ notice in 2024, pushing the former title challenger to the limit in a hard-fought decision loss. However, he has dropped four out of his last five outings, prompting the move down.
Ige notably completed a test cut recently to ensure his bantamweight move goes smoothly.
Meanwhile, Mexico’s Martinez (14-1) will have the crowd backing him at next Noche UFC. “Black Spartan” hasn’t lost in 10 straight bouts since 2021, including three in the UFC following a win on Dana White’s Contender Series. The 27-year-old prospect has already defeated veteran bantamweights like Rob Font and Marlon Vera.
