UFC veteran Lucas Martins has signed with the Global Fight League for its 2025 inaugural season and feels more pressure coaching his fighters, including Andre Lima, Kevin Vallejos, Tallison Teixeira, and Lany Silva, than competing himself.
UFC veteran Lucas Martins recently signed with the Global Fight League, gearing up for its inaugural season in 2025. Surprisingly, he confesses that leading the new generation at Team Lucas Mineiro feels more intense than stepping into the cage for a fight.
Between 2013 and 2016, “Mineiro” went 4-3 in the UFC, achieving an impressive streak of three stoppage victories across different weight classes, earning two bonuses. Post-UFC, the 36-year-old seized the Brave CF belt and won seven out of eleven MMA bouts. Quite the journey!
As he awaits his GFL debut date and opponent announcement, Martins takes on a dual role. This Saturday, he’s stepping into the UFC APEX as a head coach for Andre Lima and Kevin Vallejos at UFC Vegas 104. Lima faces Daniel Barez, while Vallejos squares off against Seung Woo Choi.
Martins shares his thoughts: “I have a big responsibility over my shoulders when I’m fighting, but it’s way bigger when I’m there as a coach.” Andre Lima brings extensive experience from over 150 kickboxing and boxing matches in Brazil. Plus, he’s a jiu-jitsu black belt. Martins is optimistic about securing their fourth UFC win and hopes it propels Lima into the top 15.
Kevin Vallejos also gets a nod from Martins for his talent and heavy hands. “He came here to evolve as an athlete,” Martins notes confidently, expecting a strong victory this weekend.
Tallison Teixeira is another rising star under Martins’ wing. His explosive debut at UFC 312 saw him demolish Justin Tafa in just 35 seconds. Undefeated with eight first-round stoppages, Teixeira is seen by Martins as championship material but won’t be rushed to the top.
“He’s very talented,” Martins remarks about Teixeira’s jiu-jitsu prowess and exceptional boxing skills. Despite facing immense pressure in his UFC debut, Teixeira stayed focused. At only 26 years old, time is on his side for future stellar performances.
Lany Silva is another protégé expected to make waves soon. Her viral head-kick KO earlier this year claimed the LFA championship, catching everyone’s attention. The 7-1 fighter aims to join Dana White’s Contender Series to secure a UFC deal.
“That was one of the most brutal knockouts all time in women’s MMA,” Martins recalls. He’s hopeful Silva will either get her shot on the Contender Series or go straight to the UFC. Exciting times ahead!