CFFC 132's Emily Martins plans to claim title in style: 'I just see myself finishing the fight'
Undefeated Martins takes on Auttumn Nortan on UFC FIGHT PASS with women's bantamweight belt on the line.
As a four-time IBJJF world champion, Emily Martins knows a thing or two about claiming titles. At CFFC 132, she's planning to add another belt to her rapidly filling trophy case.
"I'm very excited," Martins said about the opportunity. "My last fight, after the fight was over, I was like, 'I deserve this, so I'm going to ask for it,' and they gave me it, so I guess I really deserve it, and I'm so excited to go and do a show there again."
Just 20 years old, Martins (2-0) has made an immediate impression with CFFC fans, scoring submission wins in each of her two previous appearances and earning herself a shot at the promotion's vacant bantamweight title at CFFC 132, which streams live on UFC FIGHT PASS from Philadelphia's 2300 Arena on Friday, June 14. There, she'll take on four-time Invicta FC veteran Auttumn Norton (3-2).
Martins said she's impressed by what she sees in her opponent's game but feels up to the challenge.
"I've seen some of her fights," Martins said. "I've seen some of her highlights. I think she's an amazing fighter. She's very technical, which is actually good. I like fighting technical people – and she's got heavy hands, man – but I'm ready for it.
"She probably knows I want to go and grapple, but the same way she's going to be ready for that, I'm going to be more ready for taking her down, or even striking."
Martins is hoping to showcase her well-rounded skills, but her submission prowess is undeniable. Training at American Top Team headquarters in her MMA preparation, "Galega" was recently awarded her Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt from longtime UFC flyweight contender Jussier Formiga, and if a submission presents itself, you can count on her to grab it.
"I feel like I've trained so much my whole life that when I step in the cage, it doesn't matter how I'm going to get it, but I know I'm going to get it," Martins said. "They also know I'm going to get it. (I have) two submissions. It was the same submission. On my amateur MMA fight, I also had a rear-naked choke, so I guess even though they know I'm going to go for the neck, it's always there for me."
Should she win the title, Martins says she's well aware of the track record for CFFC champs earning quick promotions to the sport's highest levels. At just 20, and in only her third pro fight, Martins doesn't feel any need to rush her progression. Still, she's open to all potential opportunities.
"Even though I'm very young, I've been doing this my whole life, and I feel ready for whatever comes to me," Martins said. You know, "I have a purpose in my life, and I trust God with my whole heart, so if He wants for me to go to a big show, I will, and I will just keep doing what I do, you know? But I appreciate Cage Fury so much. I love the way they do everything. They're very organized and the show is great, and they treat me very well, so I'd be honored to be their champion."
Norton, who makes her promotional debut, would certainly like to spoil those plans, but Martins feels confident in victory. With a lifetime of preparation leading to this moment, Martins is ready to deliver in style.
"She's a very technical girl," Martins said of her opponent. "But once I see anything, if I have the chance to finish the fight, I'll take her down and I'll finish the fight. If I can finish on top, obviously, I'll do that.
"I really want to work on my boxing out there. I want to show people that I'm not only a grappler, but also a striker, but I just see myself finishing the fight before the five rounds, for sure."
