ProMMAnow.com (www.prommanow.com) reporter Susan Cingari caught up with former NCAA All-American Rad Martinez (10-2) following his unanimous decision win over fellow lightweight Brian van Hoven Saturday night at Bellator 50at the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Fla.
Rad was happy to get the “W” but after going over the fight in his head, he feels there are some things he still needs to work on.
For those who do not know, Rad’s mother died when he was very young. Not long after, now 20 years ago, his father was involved in a car wreck and suffered traumatic brain injury. Rad’s grandmother became his father’s primary care giver until she passed away five years ago. Since that time, Rad, now 32, has been the primary care giver for his father.
Rad discusses the uneasiness he feels in being called “a hero” and believes he is just doing what most people would do under the same circumstances. Rad also talks about the possibility of having someone come in and help with his father so he can put in the extra time training that will be necessary if he is to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
If you have not seen it, be sure to check out ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” special on Rad Martinez. Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney signed Martinez after seeing this profile on him; you can read more about that here.
Fans can follow Rad on Twitter @radmFTW.