Martin grew up on the West Side of Chicago, Illinois. Joining a street gang by the age of 10, Martin was nearly killed at the age of 15 in the summer of 1996, when he was caught in a drive-by shooting and hit by five bullets in his legs, chest and back. After recuperating, Martin turned his back on gang life and focused on his education, becoming the first member of his immediate family to earn his high-school diploma. Since graduating from high school, Martin has additionally attained a Bachelor of Science degree, a master's degree, and he is currently enrolled at the Adler School of Psychology's Chicago campus as a doctoral candidate. He wrestled while at Northern Illinois University. Martin has also begun to use the fame that mixed martial arts has given him to speak to inner-city children about his life and accomplishments, urging them to stay in school.
Boxing career
Martin made his professional boxing debut on April 12, 2008, and defeated Ricardo Upchurch by knockout in 40 seconds. Martin won his next four bouts via knockout or technical knockout. On November 21, 2012 Martin suffered his first loss as professional boxer when he was TKOed in the third round by Dimar Ortuz.
Martin made his professional MMA debut in 2002, a decision loss to Stephan Bonnar, before winning his next ten fights. Martin was then signed by the UFC.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Martin made his UFC debut on August 20, 2005 at UFC 54 against former WEC Light Heavyweight ChampionJames Irvin. After dominating the first round of the fight, Martin was knocked out by a flying knee nine seconds into the second round. Martin had two appearances in King ofthe Cage, both finishes, before returning at UFC 59 against Jason Lambert. Martin lost via second-round TKO. Martin bounced back, winning another two fights in outside promotions before returning to face Jorge Rivera at UFC 67 in Martin's Middleweight debut. Martin knocked out Rivera 14 seconds into the first round. He then fought Ivan Salaverry at UFC 71, winning again via first-round TKO with a suplex and punches. Martin then fought Chris Leben at UFC Fight Night 11. Martin lost via knockout late in the third round. Martin next faced Marvin Eastman at UFC 81, who defeated him via unanimous decision. After his second consecutive loss, Martin was released from the UFC.
Post-UFC
After leaving the UFC, Martin made his next big appearance at against Vitor Belfort. Martin was knocked out in the second round. Martin next made his Strikeforce debut against Cory Devela on September 20, 2008. Martin won via third-round KO. However, Martin would go on to lose via knockout to Scott Smith only 24 seconds into the fight at.
Independent promotions
Since losing to Smith, Martin has gone 5-5 in his last ten fights.
