[랭크5=고현 기자] In this interview, John Hyon Ko of Kumite TV is joined by Eternal MMA lightweight prospect David Martinez to discuss his first title fight against Brentin Mumford, forming his foundation as an amateur, training camp at Ignite MMA, UFC contract, Robert Whittaker versus Israel Adesanya and more.

David Martinez will take on Brentin Mumford for the vacant lightweight title in the main event of Eternal MMA 45 on May 25 in Southport, Australia.

Notable excerpts from the interview:

John Hyon Ko: "What did you prove to yourself by getting this win over [Mike Wilkinson], such a gritty veteran?"

David Martinez: "Me, it was proof I can hang with the higher ranks in the Australian division. I have been wanting to fight people in the top ten since for as long as I've been a pro but they keep turning me down, saying that I'm not experienced enough. With the win over Mike that gives me ground to challenge these guys."

John Hyon Ko: "Do you think [Brentin Mumford] earned the [title] shot?"

David Martinez: "You look at his performance against Rob Hill. That was pretty dominant by him. And I don't see why he doesn't deserve the shot as well. Mine was more viewed as a come from behind victory against Wilkinson whereas his was a dominant win over Rob Hill. Yeah, I feel he is fully deserving."

John Hyon Ko: "How did you react when [Eternal MMA] came to you with the fight against Mumford for the title?"

David Martinez: "I was like heck yeah, let's do it. Mumford, I mean, anyone in the top ten I been dying to fight. And Mumford is one of those guys up there. And for the title, you couldn't ask for a better fight."

For the audio version of the interview CLICK HERE or go to iTunes.

고현 기자 jhkmma@gmail.com