Anthony Rocco Martin (photo via UFC / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Having won three straight fights and scored memorable finishes in two of them, Anthony Rocco Martin has his sights set on reaching the very top of the UFC’s welterweight division.

After Martin dropped a split decision loss to lightweight Olivier Aubin-Mercier, he moved up to welterweight and has defeated Keita Nakamura, Ryan LaFlare and Jake Matthews. Martin knocked out LaFlare and choked out Matthews.

More recently, Martin spoke with MMA Junkie, and while doing so, he relayed this:

“I think the key to jumping the pack and getting in that top-five contender (position) is you’ve just got to finish guys,” he said. “I think the UFC loves promoting those guys. Whoever (my opponent) is, I have to finish.

“I’m told if I finish this next fight, I should be fighting someone in the top-15 after that.”

“I’m ready to separate myself from these up-and-comers and become a true contender.”

As a result of his recent run, the 29-year-old fighter’s record now stands at 19-4.