Jonathan Martinez chops away for leg kick TKO of Adrian Yanez

Jonathan Martinez has joined the likes of UFC Fight Night 230 headliner Edson Barboza in making a name for himself with dominant leg kick TKO victories.

Martinez (19-4 MMA, 10-3 UFC) squared off against Adrian Yanez in a highly anticipated bantamweight matchup on the main card of UFC Fight Night 230 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Known for their striking abilities, both fighters promised fireworks inside the Octagon. Martinez targeted Yanez’s left leg with devastating kicks, ultimately earning a TKO victory at 2:26 of Round 2.

As the fight progressed, Martinez strategically attacked Yanez’s left calf with powerful kicks. By the midway point of the first round, Yanez was visibly affected, struggling to stay on his feet. Martinez continued to apply immense pressure, looking to finish the fight with another well-placed kick. However, Yanez displayed resilience and managed to regain his composure, preventing an early stoppage.

Although Yanez fought back with punches to keep Martinez at bay, it was only a matter of time before Martinez delivered another punishing blow to Yanez’s calf, causing him to collapse. Despite making it to the second round, Yanez couldn’t withstand Martinez’s relentless assault.

Martinez systematically stalked Yanez, patiently waiting for opportunities to unleash more devastating leg kicks. He sent Yanez to the mat twice in Round 2 with precisely placed strikes to the leg. Referee Kerry Hatley eventually intervened and halted the fight.

Watch the video of the stoppage below (via X):

Martinez’s impressive performance catapulted him into the company of Barboza, as the only two fighters with multiple UFC victories via leg kicks. Martinez previously secured a similar victory against Cub Swanson last year, while Barboza achieved leg kick TKO wins against Mike Lullo at UFC 123 and Rafaello Oliveira at UFC 162.

Stay up to date with the latest results from UFC Fight Night 230:

• Jonathan Martinez def. Adrian Yanez via TKO (leg kicks) – Round 2, 2:26

• Michel Pereira def. Andre Petroski via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 1:06

• Christian Rodriguez def. Cameron Saaiman via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

• Darren Elkins def. TJ Brown via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 2:23

• Tainara Lisboa def. Ravena Oliveira via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

• Terrance McKinney def. Brendon Marotte via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 0:20

• Melissa Dixon def. Irina Alekseeva via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

• Chris Gutierrez def. Heili Alateng via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

• Emily Ducote def. Ashley Yoder via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

For more information about the event, visit MMA Junkie’s UFC Fight Night 230 event hub.

This story originally appeared on MMA Junkie