Former MMA fighter Rad Martinez's journey has been a 'wild ride,' but he's embraced life's punches to help others

HERRIMAN — MMA fighter Rad Martinez was close — "razor thin," he said — to having his own chance to fight for a world title.

Martinez "fell short of that goal" despite putting "everything I could put into it." But as he was working his way up the fighting ranks, Martinez became the primary caretaker for his father after a tragic car accident left him with severe brain damage.

"My dad, before his accident, was a manly man," Martinez said. "And then he got into his car accident. ... I promised my grandmother that I would be the one that would take care of my dad. I'm just so thankful for the time I had with him. I wish it was more, but when I look back on that it was hard but I wouldn't change it for the world. Thank God that I did take care of my dad."

Martinez felt like that caretaker role helped him more than anything in his life. And though he never got the chance to fight for a world title, the lessons he learned along the way made the journey more valuable.

Today, Martinez coaches current MMA fighters while also serving as the Herriman High wresting coach since 2019. The lessons he learned along the way have been what has shaped who he is today and how he hopes to teach others that are in his life.

"Today I'm 46, and my life has been kind of a wild ride, and I'm prepared for the next 46 years — whatever is thrown at me, I'm ready for it," Martinez said.

To see his story of perseverance, as well as what he's doing today to help others, check out the video above.

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