Estevan Martinez

Record: 49-46-1 (W-L-D)

Full Name: Estevan Martinez-Garcia

Nick Name: Giant Slayer

Birth Date: 1993-03-28

Weight Class: Peso Galo (127.0 lbs / 57.50 kg)

Team: Bully Me Now Ormond Beach

Did you know?

Of Estevan Martinez's recorded wins, 67 percent come by submission, which sits well above the 40 percent average for his weight. That finishing rate is a big part of why the Peso Galo earned the nickname Giant Slayer.
The armbar is his signature finish, accounting for 11 of his 33 recorded submission wins. Chokes back it up, with 6 by choke and 6 by rear naked choke on record.
Thalison Soares has had Martinez's number, going 3 and 0 across their 3 recorded meetings. Roiter Lima is the other tough matchup, holding a 3 to 2 edge over 5 meetings despite Martinez taking their bout at the 2021 IBJJF Pan No-Gi Championship.
2021 was by far his busiest year on record with 49 matches, the same year he won IBJJF World No-Gi and Pan No-Gi gold. His recorded matches span 2018 to 2025.
He owns clean sweeps over several opponents, going 4 and 0 against Tadiyah Danforth and 3 and 0 each against Kevin Martincowski, Lee Rosenfield, and Bryce Layme. The Danforth wins include a decision at the 2022 IBJJF World No-Gi Championship.

Wrestling Roots and Transition to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Estevan Martinez-Garcia was born on March 28, 1993, in Las Vegas, Nevada, and grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His martial arts journey began at age 14 when he joined his high school's wrestling team, actively competing throughout his four-year tenure. Shortly after graduating in 2011, Martinez discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through a wrestling teammate who invited him to a local class. Initially training under coaches Kalo and Kale Lopez, Estevan quickly developed a passion for submission grappling, drawn by the sport's competitive intensity and technical depth.

Career Development Under Lucas Rocha and ZR Team

In pursuit of higher-level training and greater competitive exposure, Martinez relocated to California in 2017 to join the prestigious ZR Team. Under the mentorship of Lucas Rocha, Estevan refined his grappling skills and significantly elevated his performance on the international stage. After three years of dedicated training, Martinez earned his black belt from Rocha on June 1, 2019, following a bronze medal finish at the 2019 IBJJF World Championship. His first year as a black belt featured impressive achievements, highlighted by double gold medals at the 2020 IBJJF American Nationals (Gi and No-Gi) and a gold medal at the 2021 IBJJF Pan Championship No-Gi.

Establishing Bully Me Now Ormond Beach Academy

In early 2024, Martinez announced the opening of his own academy, Bully Me Now Ormond Beach, in Florida. Serving as co-owner and head coach, this move marked his departure from ZR Team in California and signaled a new chapter in his career. At his academy, Martinez emphasizes competition-oriented training, strategically preparing his students for elite-level events, including ADCC competitions.

Competition Style and Open-Weight Challenges

Estevan Martinez-Garcia is renowned for his fearless competitive approach, frequently challenging opponents significantly larger than himself. This bold mindset has earned him the nickname "Giant Slayer." A notable example of his willingness to engage larger opponents was his memorable match against a 6'3" competitor at Third Coast Grappling 8. Martinez consistently embraces open-weight divisions, showcasing an aggressive, technical grappling style characterized by dynamic movement, precise timing, and relentless pressure.

ADCC Open Circuit Participation

Martinez has expanded his competitive presence into the ADCC Open circuit, achieving notable success. At the 2024 ADCC Orlando Open, he secured multiple victories and captured entire divisions, demonstrating his adaptability and technical proficiency in submission grappling. Alongside his active competition schedule, Martinez dedicates himself to coaching, guiding his students toward success in ADCC and other prestigious grappling tournaments.