Lucas Martins signs new deal with UFC, eyes one more 2013 fight

Brazilian lightweight-turned-bantamweight Lucas Martins (14-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) has signed a new UFC contract and is hoping to fight again for the promotion in 2013.

MMAjunkie.com today confirmed with Martins’ manager, Wade Hampel, that his client recently finalized a new multi-fight deal with the organization.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Hampel said “Mineiro” is looking to fight again before year’s end.

Martins is a three-time UFC veteran who has fought exclusively thus far in his native country. The 24-year-old made his debut for the promotion in January, competing as a lightweight against fellow Brazilian striker Edson Barboza. martins appeared a bit overmatched in the contest and ended up submitting to strikes in the opening round.

Martins bounced back in May with a “Fight of the Night” win over Jeremy Larsen, kicking off that evening’s card with a three-round brawl that earned both fighters a $50,000 bonus for their efforts.

Most recently, Martins appeared at this past week’s “UFC Fight Night 28: Teixeira vs. Bader” event, where he dropped straight from lightweight on down to 135 pounds to make his bantamweight debut. Martins dominated promotional newcomer Ramiro “Junior” Hernandez en route to securing a technical-submission win just 70 seconds after the opening bell.

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Lucas Martins)