After defeating a tough Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante this past May in the toughest match-up of his career, Strikeforce lightweight, Isaac Vallie-Flagg (13-3-1) immediately knew that his journey through the promotion would not ease up. On September 29th Vallie-Flagg will face former Jungle Fight champion Adriano Martins (23-6), on the Strikeforce: Gilbert Melendez vs. Pat Healy Lightweight championship card in Sacramento, California.
While participating in Jungle Fight, a mixed martial arts and kickboxing promotion based out of Brazil, Martins held the lightweight title. Most of his losses also came in the first half of his career. Over the past two and a half years he has compiled an impressive 11-1 record.
“I think after you beat JZ, there’s no easy fights. At least that’s what I’ve been told,” says a joking Vallie-Flagg. “I keep asking for easy fights and they keep saying ‘no’.”
This will be Vallie-Flagg’s third fight with Strikeforce. Over the past five years he holds an 11-0-1 record. Both he and have the same amount of years in the sport but the younger black black brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner Martins has 12 more professional bouts than the 34 year old Vallie-Flagg.
Despite having less experience in recorded action that Martins, being in a world renown gym like Jackson’s MMA provides Vallie-Flagg the benefits of training with the top athletes in the sport. It is something he has been taking advantage of. Training with the likes of UFC fighters Clay Guida, Cub Swanson, Erik Perez and interim welterweight champion Carlos Condit.
“I’m always in the gym trying to improve.” says Vallie-Flagg “I’m always trying to get better and I think that shows from fight to fight.”
