How Donald Cerrone changed the mindset of UFC Fight Night 61's Adriano Martins

Adriano Martins

Adriano Martins knows fighting isn’t a career that lasts forever.

The winner of two fight-night bonuses in three trips to the octagon, Martins (26-7 MMA, 2-1 UFC), who returns Sunday at UFC Fight Night 61, has taken that knowledge to heart, keeping the long game in mind when it comes to the bonus money and keeping his money at home in Brazil.

“I’m investing in real estate in Manaus,” Martins told MMAjunkie. “I was very happy to win those bonuses. That’s especially true since a fighter’s career isn’t forever. One day it ends. I’m investing in my future.”

The only time Martins didn’t take home UFC bonus money was a knockout loss in the first round against Donald Cerrone. The loss is the only blemish on Martins’ record in his past eight fights.

He doesn’t believe he was ready for that fight against such a proven contender at that point in his career, but the loss may have helped him as he moves forward in his career.

“For sure, something was missing,” Martins said. “It wasn’t my time yet to be fighting someone on that level. But it happened so I could change my mindset. I needed to change a few things regarding professionalism and technique. It had to happen the way it happened.

“The reality of situation finally hit me. I aim to be in the top 10 of my weight class, and for that to happen, some things had to change. We’re continually correcting any and all errors, and moving forward, I believe I have the potential to be one of the top fighters. I’m putting in the work to make that happen.”

Martins faces lightweight Rustam Khabilov (17-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC) on Sunday at UFC Fight Night 61, which takes place at Gigantinho Gymnasium in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It’s part of the FOX Sports 1-televised main card.

With a more mature mindset after the Cerrone loss, Martins said he’s ready to pick up a win over an opponent who’s ranked in the top 15 of the official UFC rankings.

“Without a doubt, he cannot be underestimated,” Martins said. “No one should be. We always train to face the best opponents. Our goal is to face any opponent on equal terms. He’s one of the toughest guys in the promotion. He’s a ranked fighter in the UFC. That’s further incentive.

“Anderson Silva likes to say that no one is invincible. I keep that mentality. Of course, losing and winning are part of fighting, though no one steps into the cage planning to lose. I know it’s a difficult fight. We were happy to accept the fight because of that. I know it will be a three-round war.

“People will be talking about Adriano Martins. I’m looking for my place in the sun.”

For more on UFC Fight Night 61, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.