LAS VEGAS, NV – OCTOBER 19: Mexico’s Melissa Martinez punches Romania’s Alice Aderen in a strawweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on October 19, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Fighting alum Melissa Martinez enters the Octagon for the first time since UFC Vegas 99 in 2022, looking for her first win in the promotion against Alice Aderen.
Like “Super Mary,” Aldelane was looking for her first UFC win after the fighter, who has a strong following on social media, was defeated in her previous debut.
Martinez moved to the outside early in the opener, showing good footwork and head movement. Alderen tried to take her down, but was eventually able to fire off a kick and then a combination top. Martinez was able to fight back and stay on the horse, and her movement continued to be her biggest weapon. However, Adelen was able to cut the cage as the rounds progressed, making the fight closer than expected. Especially thanks to Alice Ardelen being in power when the pair actually got together and made the deal.
Martinez fired a left hand early in the second round that was a little off the mark, but the pair picked up where they left off. Aldelene was now doing a better job of cutting through the cage, forcing “Super Merry” to narrowly escape multiple times. Alderen also threatened to grab his leg, but was unable to shake off Martinez. They slowed down a step as the rounds progressed, and Martinez proved able to hold his own in the stand-up, although he was still outmatched by Alderen outside of low kicks.
In the third round, Alderen continued to chase Melissa Martinez. Martinez used a good jab and threw low kicks, but when he connected, there were far fewer punches. Alderen finally closed the distance midway through the round, landed a bodylock and looked for a takedown. Martinez defended with his back to the fence and pushed Alderen’s head back. At one point, Adelen was torn apart, but even worse damage occurred moments later. The kick knocked Aderen upside down. Referee Keyser Peterson called it a low blow and stopped the timeout. However, replays showed the kick was legal and Peterson forced a rematch, but Martinez was denied the chance to finish.
Alderen benefited from the recovery time and the pair ended up running the long distance. Martinez landed some flashy kicks and undoubtedly won the third round. Fortunately, considering the referee’s mistake, the judges awarded her in all three rounds. Although it was a little far-fetched, the result still felt right in the end.
Official Results: Melissa Martinez def. Alice Aderen unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
