Dan Ige makes the move to 135, meets David Martinez in September

Dan Ige is moving down to bantamweight for a fresh start, scheduled to make his 135-pound debut against David Martinez at UFC Fight Night 288 on September 12 in Glendale, Arizona, at the fourth edition of Noche UFC. The former featherweight contender has struggled recently, dropping four of his last five bouts and prompting the weight-class shift. Ige (19–11) completed a test cut to ensure a smooth transition to the lighter division.

Ige's stock had peaked when he accepted a short-notice fight against Diego Lopes in 2024, nearly stunning the former title challenger before falling via decision. That performance aside, his career has stalled at 145 pounds, making the move to 135 a potential reset for the veteran.

Martinez (14–1), a rising Mexican prospect fighting as "Black Spartan," will carry momentum into the matchup. The 27-year-old has recorded ten consecutive victories dating to 2021, including three wins in the UFC following an appearance on Dana White's Contender Series. He has already defeated established bantamweights including Rob Font and Marlon Vera, making him a significant step up in competition for Ige's new weight class. The Desert Diamond Arena crowd is expected to heavily favor Martinez at Noche UFC.