Lorain native Jose Martinez appears back in ‘Ultimate Fighter’ tourney after opponent’s injury

A tough loss apparently knocked Jose Martinez out of “The Ultimate Fighter 27: Undefeated” tournament, but fate has stepped in to assist the Lorain native.

On the May 2 episode of the UFC reality show, Martinez lost his two-round lightweight bout to Luis Pena by unanimous decision.

However, on the May 9 episode, it was revealed Pena broke his foot during the fight, and is out of the tournament.

Martinez posted a Facebook Live video after the May 9 show, discussing what it means for him going forward on “The Ultimate Fighter.”

“It’s hard to see something like that, someone’s dreams diminished,” Martinez said on Facebook Live. “On the positive side, this gives everyone a chance that’s been in the tournament a chance to come back and fight their way back.”

“It was a bummer to see him get hurt,” Martinez said about Pena. “We talked a lot, and had a deep conversation and he said he was hurt. He let me know, ‘If you come back, make sure you win this.’ ”

Martinez then said: “It’s not over, ‘til it’s over.”

Martinez, who turned pro as an MMA fighter about a year ago, said he is continuing training at T3 Performance in Avon and at Marcus Marinelli’s Strong Style in Independence, the training home of UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic.

Miocic is coaching opposite Daniel Cormier on the show. On May 9, Team Miocic lost its fourth straight bout to start the show when Bryce Mitchell defeated Jay Cucciniello via unanimous decision by scores of 20-17, 20-17, 20-18.

An official announcement has not been made of when or if Martinez might fight again on “The Ultimate Fighter,” but it appears the door is open for his eventual return.

The reality show will run through early July, when Cormier and Miocic will fight July 7 in Las Vegas at UFC 226 for Miocic’s UFC heavyweight championship belt.

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