Tonight at Combate Americas Hidalgo, 21-year-old knockout artist Melissa “Super Mely” Martinez (6-0) goes head-to-head with Desiree “Dirty Dez” Yanez (5-1) in the first ever Combate Americas women’s world championship fight. The strawweight bout is the co-main in an event headlined by the return of two combat sports legends: Tito Ortiz and Alberto El Patron.
Must Love MMA caught up with “Super Mely” ahead of the fight to find out how she’s prepared and what drives her.
MLMMA: The fight is tonight. How do you feel going into it?
Martinez: I feel very excited and I’m just waiting for the moment to be in the cage.
MLMMA: Any extra pressure on you since this is for the title?
Martinez: I feel very excited and happy to be considered one of the contenders to the title.
MLMMA: Congrats on your undefeated record of 7 straight wins, 5 by stoppage due to strikes. Is the plan to keep the fight standing?
Martinez: My strategy has always been to represent my country and my team in the best way, the KO/TKOs have only been a result of work in the gym and camp.
MLMMA: Yanez is two inches taller than you. What particular challenges does that present to you in this fight?
Martinez: She will have a little more distance than me, but in my camp I have fought with people of different sizes and styles, the challenge will be her fighting game and not the height.
MLMMA: What are your keys to victory?
Martinez: Discipline and dedication.
MLMMA: How did you get the nickname ‘Super Mely’?
Martinez: Because of my Muay Thai teacher, because I always fought with men.
MLMMA: How did you get started in MMA?
Martinez: Through my brother, when I was 15 years old.
MLMMA: What is the best thing about being a fighter?
Martinez: That I can represent my country.
MLMMA: What is your secret talent?
Martinez: Singing [laughs]. I don’t know what to say.
MLMMA: Is there anything else you want to add?
Martinez: Thanks to my university, my campmates and my hometown fans who support me a lot.
Don’t miss the fight tonight, and follow Melissa Martinez on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
