She’s Next – WMMA Weekly Preview

Each week, I’ll highlight one women prospect on my radar and in action in the upcoming days.

Emily “Galega” Martins
Record: 4-1
Weight Class: Bantamweight
Age: 21 years old
Training: American Top Team
Combined opponents record: 10-6

Emily Martins is a rising Brazilian bantamweight representing the famed American Top Team. Born in 2004, she stands 5’9” tall and currently fights for CFFC. Before transitioning to MMA, Martins competed in BJJ, where she won multiple gold medals in both Gi and No-Gi tournaments, winning Worlds in her category. She’s also a brown belt under Jussier Formiga. Since turning professional in 2023, Martins has built an impressive record marked by her grappling prowess and finishing ability. The young Brazilian made her pro debut in September 2023 with a first-round submission victory and quickly caught the attention of the public with her strength on the ground.

 

Early in her career, she consistently demonstrated a threat in jiu-jitsu, securing multiple wins by rear-naked choke and establishing herself as a submission specialist. After an early setback in 2024, when she suffered her only professional defeat with a 10-second knockout loss, Martins responded by refocusing and putting together a string of victories that showcased her growth and resilience as a fighter. Her major breakthrough came in July 2025, when she captured the CFFC women’s bantamweight title by submitting Auttumn Norton in the third round, avenging the only loss of her career. That performance showcased her improved defense, relentless grappling pressure, and mental toughness. Known for her competitive spirit and technical jiu-jitsu, Martins has emerged as one of the most intriguing prospects in the bantamweight division in North America. Given her age and continued development, she is viewed as a dangerous finisher capable of choking out anyone placed in front of her.

 

Martins makes her first defense of the CFFC women’s bantamweight title when she faces veteran Alexa Conners at CFFC 149 on December 20 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Conners, a seasoned 8-5 fighter with experience across the whole regional circuit, brings a tougher, battle-tested resume into this championship bout. The stylistic contrast with Martins’ grappling attack against Conners’ overall experience sets up an intriguing title defense on a stacked Cage Fury FC card.

 

Let’s break down Galega’s skillset in the cage: Martins is a physically imposing grappler whose game is built around strength, pressure, and opportunism on the ground. She is extremely dangerous in scrambles and thrives in chaotic grappling exchanges, where her physicality and instincts shine. Martins is a fierce competitor who capitalizes quickly on mistakes, especially once the fight hits the mat. Her guard is threatening, her back takes are excellent, and when she secures a body triangle, her rear-naked choke is vicious. When given time on the ground, she is a consistent finishing threat and has shown the ability to overpower opponents, even those who come in significantly heavier.

 

Her training environment has helped her develop wrestling tools, and her grappling remains her clear path to victory. However, her striking remains a major weakness. While improving, it lacks refinement, combinations, and defensive reliability. She absorbs too much damage, struggles with distance management, and often fights while backing up. Her takedown entries rely more on power than technique, leading to reversals and lost momentum. Martins is comfortable pulling guard and playing possum, but this approach does not win rounds and exposes her to unnecessary damage. Overall, her defensive awareness, fight IQ, and striking fundamentals need significant work to complement her high-level submission game. That being said, she should do great against Alexa Conners, and I expect a submission win for Emily Martins this weekend.

Cédric Dumas

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Juliet Ukah (7-0) – PFL Africa

Karli Jo Thomas (2-0) – CFFC 149