2012 World MMA Lightweight Scouting Report: #3 - Adriano Martins

Name:	Adriano Martins
Nickname:	--
Age:	29
Height:	5'10"
Location:	Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil

This is a guest post by Rory MacLeod (smoogy)

Adriano Martins (20-6) may not appear to fit the established profile of young, emergent prospects set thus far in the 2012 World MMA Scouting Report. At 29, he is a late bloomer to say the least. If you've heard of him, it's because he fought and lost in the opening round of the 2008 DREAM Middleweight Grand Prix. A drop to the lightweight division and a growing belt collection, however, have Martins poised to finally make the jump to North America as a fresh face almost eight years into his pro career.

After the 2008 tournament loss to Sengoku Welterweight Champion Keita Nakamura (21-5-2) at 183 lbs., Martins briefly went back to welterweight, but opted to try his luck as one of the largest lightweights on the Brazilian circuit instead. At 155 lbs., Adriano has found consistent success, winning nine out of ten bouts since 2010 against some of his toughest peers on the Brazilian circuit.

During his hot streak, he has avenged previous career losses to Jamil Silveira (32-14) and UFC veteran Ronys Torres (23-4). The lone blemish was a three-round decision defeat at the hands of Francisco Drinaldo (10-1) in a challenge for the Jungle Fight lightweight championship, but Martins rebounded in his next match, beating Diego Braga (17-8-1) to claim the Win Fight & Entertainment title. Most recently, Martins returned to Jungle Fight to vie for the interim lightweight strap in lieu of Drinaldo, this time making short work of Bahia's Neilson Gomes (13-2) in the opening round.

The newfound success for Martins at lightweight is hardly surprising. Standing 5'10", he is not among the tallest in his division, but his wide, muscular frame and deceptive reach separate him from his peers. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Master Cristiano Carioca, Adriano started as an overachieving grappling wizard, but now prefers to take a wide stance and bully opponents around the cage with power striking. His fast, low kicks make it hard to close the distance, and once he suspects an opponent is fading -- he will pour it on with heavy barrages of hooks to the head.

Defensively, Martins needs work. He holds his hands alarmingly low, especially when flurrying on the inside looking for the kill. Despite few having tested his takedown defense in recent bouts, there's hope he'll continue to keep his ground game sharp. With two significant Brazilian titles in tow and no time to waste, Martins is at the front of the line of lightweights deserving an opportunity on the world stage.

Check out more video footage of Adriano Martins after the jump...

Adriano Martins HL

Adriano Martins vs. Neilson Gomes
Jungle Fight 34 - November 26, 2011

Adriano Martins vs. Marcio Henrique Castanheira
Mr. Cage 6 - September 30, 2011

Adriano Martins vs. Diego Braga
WFE Platinum 10 - September 16, 2011

Adriano Martins vs. Jamil Silveira
Mr. Cage 5 - April 29, 2011