Joe Martinez to Make UFC Announcing Debut in December

Former WEC cage announcer Joe Martinez will finally take up the microphone inside the UFC Octagon.

The 37-year-old Martinez told Examiner.com on Monday that he had been tapped to handle announcing duties for UFC on FX: Sotiropoulos vs. Pearson, taking place in Australia and airing in the United States Dec. 14.

"

“It’s definitely a big deal,” Martinez said. “I said it years ago, that it was a major goal of mine to announce a UFC event...It still has not hit me yet as reality, and it won’t until I land and I am geared up and ready to go for that first fight.”

"

Martinez has recently handled announcing duties for Strikeforce, Tachi Palace Fights, Cage Warriors Fighting Championships and Invicta MMA. He is also the main ring announcer for Oscar de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions.

Alongside combat sports, the silver-piped, bilingual Martinez is the public-address announcer for San Diego Padres single-A affiliate Lake Elsinore Storm and his alma mater, Cal State, Fullerton. 

In the interview, Martinez took pains to praise incumbent Bruce Buffer, who will be in Las Vegas Dec. 15 to handle the mic for The Ultimate Fighter 16 finale. 

"

“All my respect is to Bruce; it’s his gig, and I’m just more than happy to step in and fill a role for a night,” Martinez said. “The opportunity is there and I am happy to be the one they have called on for it.” 

"

Martinez admitted he may have a few butterflies, but seemed grateful for the opportunity.

"

“I don’t typically get nervous when holding a microphone, but I think I’ll be a little nervous for this one and I hope I can hide it." 

"