Reader comments
Martinez takes care of dad, fights
26 comments | Read story
zippy | 12:36 a.m. July 5, 2009
What a story all i can say RAAAD ON May God sees your good deed and bless more
of you. Hey I am in west jordan may be i can help sit with your dad sometimes. I
can feel your story and will look you up and seriously my wife and I can help
you out sometime to give a relief so you can date and do other things. Anyway
god bless you both I think your dad knows that just can't respond to it.
Love you guys thanks for sharing your story of inpiration.
Mike B. | 4:14 a.m. July 5, 2009
Rad, I salute you. You are honoring your father and caring for him as he cared
for you. Personally you are a hero to me. A great example of charity, love
unfeigned, and respect. Too many people take the easy way out and put their
family members in a home. Your father may not be able to tell you but he knows
you, loves you and is very proud of you. Good luck in MMA and the rest of your
personal life. May your father never suffer, may you realize all your dreams and
may he be there to share it all with you. May God Bless and keep you and yours.
Mills in Tacoma | 5:34 a.m. July 5, 2009
WOW! A real man’s man! I didn’t think they existed anymore! Gentle
and caring; brave and tough! What a fantastic husband and father he will make
someday! All he needs is the female version of him! I hope she exists. He
deserves her….wherever she is!
Comments continue below
Heather | 10:16 a.m. July 5, 2009
Rad, I am so proud of you. You amaze me every single day. I can only hope to
become, as Mills in Tacoma said, a "female version of you and the kind of
woman you deserve". I love you.
Cindie | 10:58 a.m. July 5, 2009
It does my heart good to read a story like yours. Take heart in knowing your
father does know you, appreciate you and loves you very much. I wish luck in
your career and the very best for you and your family. I would be proud to have
a son like you. I'm sure your grandmother smiles upon you every day. It is
so hard to be a caregiver. Today's youth could learn from your story. Your
loyalty, love & compassion for your father brings tears to my eyes. Thanks
for sharing your life with us.
Jason M. | 11:04 a.m. July 5, 2009
Rad, You are a great man! I coach because I get to train guys like you. Keep
up the good work.
Sam | 11:17 a.m. July 5, 2009
The story is true. In my opinion, Rad is more notable for his character and
ethic. He's a true friend that comes forward for everyone in his life.
Regardless of his own challenges, he will always put himself last. Both he and
Levi touch the lives of many people that admire them.
When it's time to wrap up the hands, his character remains unchanged. Then he steps into the cage, challenges himself for something more, and does his job. While an inspiration in the MMA world, what the story doesn't mention a lot about how Rad and Levi were successful Graduates, and post-Graduates in college. With a life as difficult as they had, they went far beyond what many people in the same circumstances cannot achieve. Today, with his merit, Rad could be applying those degrees, but he takes care of his Dad instead. He does this by choice. In everything he does, I don't think anyone can question the size of his heart.
When it's time to wrap up the hands, his character remains unchanged. Then he steps into the cage, challenges himself for something more, and does his job. While an inspiration in the MMA world, what the story doesn't mention a lot about how Rad and Levi were successful Graduates, and post-Graduates in college. With a life as difficult as they had, they went far beyond what many people in the same circumstances cannot achieve. Today, with his merit, Rad could be applying those degrees, but he takes care of his Dad instead. He does this by choice. In everything he does, I don't think anyone can question the size of his heart.
Johnny | 11:20 a.m. July 5, 2009
Rad- I will never forget the day I got to spend with you and your family,
watching you take care of your father, doing all the things that a parent does
for a child.....it was a real eye opener bro. It was amazing to see a person
scarifice as much as you do to keep you family together. It was truley
inspirational.
Some people think of MMA athletes as brutes and street thugs that are out to satisfy some sort of "blood lust", but you are a perfect example of what a true MMA athlete is made of...honor, respect, sacrifice and hard work. Rad it has been an absolute pleasure getting to know you and watch you grow as a pro athlete. You are truley are a man among men. Keep doing what you are doing and I promise your future is as bright as the sun!!!!
Johnny Riche
Throwdown Elite
Some people think of MMA athletes as brutes and street thugs that are out to satisfy some sort of "blood lust", but you are a perfect example of what a true MMA athlete is made of...honor, respect, sacrifice and hard work. Rad it has been an absolute pleasure getting to know you and watch you grow as a pro athlete. You are truley are a man among men. Keep doing what you are doing and I promise your future is as bright as the sun!!!!
Johnny Riche
Throwdown Elite
I think... | 12:05 p.m. July 5, 2009
the title could use some sense review. Instead of "beat people up",
why not "Ultimate Fighter?"
An inspiring story indeed...
An inspiring story indeed...
Cole | 1:02 p.m. July 5, 2009
What a great story. Truley inspirational. How do you not root for this guy in
everything he does. Good luck in the future.
ONE | 1:21 p.m. July 5, 2009
There is not a father on this earth who could wish for and have a more devoted
son.
May Heavenly Father bless you.
Thank you.
May Heavenly Father bless you.
Thank you.
Wow | 2:41 p.m. July 5, 2009
I was very inspired by his story. No bitterness or victimization, just love and
service. I will try and follow his career and am now a fan. With heart like this
his brother is right. He can beat anybody in the ring.
great story | 3:32 p.m. July 5, 2009
It was great to get to know Radly and his family thru this story. Rad's
dedication, drive, determination, and accomplishments are truly inspiring.
Adam | 3:45 p.m. July 5, 2009
Man, that is really an amazing story. I hope I would be able to do the same for
my dad. Rad is so much fun to watch compete. I was already a huge fan, now I
can't think of a fighter I respect more. Amy, thanks for giving us this
glimpse into his amazing personal life.
TKC | 4:06 p.m. July 5, 2009
What an awesome story, thanks Deseret News and good luck Rad and dad!
More Rads in the world | 5:40 p.m. July 5, 2009
There should be more people in the world like Rad. We need more compassion and
service and Rad gives us all a huge example of unselfish, Christlike love.
I'm sure your dad knows who you are and what you are doing. Bless your
family.
Griffen | 5:51 p.m. July 5, 2009
Rad- You are an inspiration to all! I am blessed to have the opportunity to know
you! Thank you to the Deseret news for bringing the positive message to light
that is your life. You cant truely measure the greatness of a man, but if you
could, Rad would be a great measuring stick! Love you brother!
Anonymous | 6:04 p.m. July 5, 2009
As a fan of MMA I always find the lives of MMA participants interesting, but WOW
& HOLY COW, what a story! The UFC would be lucky to have Rad as one of their
participants and should offer him a contract sight unseen. At the very minimum
at least give him a shot at the reality TV show.
Most importantly, you Rad are an example of everything good I can think of. Thanks to your beloved Grandmother for setting an example, and thank you for having the heart to follow that example. I don't know you Rad but you are already a CHAMP in my book and I will hold you up as an example for my children and grandchildren for many years to come.
God bless you and yours, Sincerely!
Most importantly, you Rad are an example of everything good I can think of. Thanks to your beloved Grandmother for setting an example, and thank you for having the heart to follow that example. I don't know you Rad but you are already a CHAMP in my book and I will hold you up as an example for my children and grandchildren for many years to come.
God bless you and yours, Sincerely!
Stacey | 8:32 p.m. July 5, 2009
MMA has many amazing individuals with stories of overcoming and this is the most
touching I have heard. To those individuals who criticize the sport and the
athletes involved, Rad is the most eloquent rebuttal of all. Thank you for
being the person you are.
Tad | 9:07 a.m. July 6, 2009
Wow. What a great story. It is awesome to read about an athlete that is not a
thug. Rad is a great role model for young boys. Thank you for printing this
article in the Deseret News. More Stories like this would be great.
Love in a Can | 10:34 a.m. July 6, 2009
Awesome... he is a great guy and an even better fighter... I wish him only the
best... and i am glad to see that Deseret News is finally following MMA. I will
have to see if there are any other articles out there.
Todd | 3:26 p.m. July 6, 2009
Rad - there isn't much to say that hasn't already been said above, but
you are seriously the most humble, honorable and devoted son I have ever met. We
worked together at RSL and it was clear then that you are an incredibly caring
guy, but this article sheds a little more light on how committed you are to your
family. It is rare to see someone choose to set aside their own aspirations or
self promotion in such a completely selfless manner. God bless, pal.
some girl | 9:04 p.m. July 6, 2009
i really see you as a good example of generous and kindness heart!!! u are the
best! all my respect for you
Curt | 8:05 p.m. July 7, 2009
Rad, Thank you! Your story is a great inspiration and shows what really matters
in life. I wish you and your family all the blessing and success this world has
to offer. Whatever path you choose in life will be blessed for your love and
devotion to your father. I wish him all the best as well. Thank you Thank you,
Thank you!
jason s | 3:19 a.m. July 14, 2009
rad,
thanks for everything you have taught me and all the time you invest in me! you truly are a person i will always look up to. you deserve all the great things that im sure will come your way!
thanks for everything you have taught me and all the time you invest in me! you truly are a person i will always look up to. you deserve all the great things that im sure will come your way!
Ken | 12:26 p.m. Oct. 14, 2009
This is a love story not only towards his father, but his grandmother. I was
Rad's coach at Clarion and your story captures his heart & mind
completely as an athlete and human being. He promised his grandma that he would
return from Pennsylvania after he graduated. He stressed over getting his MBA
finished in 18 months, knowing his grandmother needed his help. Shortly after he
returned home, she became ill & passed. You watched the video, you see for
yourself - what kind of man he is. I know the story & all I can say is Wow!
Makes me want to be a better son & father. Unconditional love has nothing
over Rad.
Thank you for sharing this amazing example of love & compassion, you did a nice job with this story
Thank you for sharing this amazing example of love & compassion, you did a nice job with this story
Add your comment
Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.
Words Remaining
E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.
Video
Related content
- Flight cut? What to do 4:25 p.m.
- Hotel creates the 'Twilight' mood 4:25 p.m.
- Beauty of autumn in southern Utah 4:25 p.m.
- Away in a manger 4:24 p.m.
- Art canvas 4:24 p.m.
- Utah gallery listings 4:24 p.m.
- Art Center gets new director 4:24 p.m.
- Berlin Wall art stirs L.A. dispute 4:24 p.m.
- Stockings are sought for exhibit 4:24 p.m.
- Literary footnotes 4:24 p.m.
- Report details Prop 8 aftermath
410 - Gay advocates trek to LDS office202
- Dirk does dirty work in Dallas190
- Letters: Care not a right187
- Lobo suspended169
- Speed has never been BYU's game136
- Jazz stumble in fourth quarter106
- RSL rallies to advance102
- Prep football: San Juan vs. S. Sevier100
- Thousands protest health bill98
 |
Football Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T |
| Cowboys | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Cougars | 10 | 21 | 14 | 7 | 52 |
This week's game shouldn't be too much of a problem for Utah. They are...
Advertisement
Latest comments
re: Mike at 3:36 p.m. Thanks for proving my point.
Well no kidding you have athletes on your team. When your program recruits...
To Re: socal Gal 3:45 p.m., It's not a fact that our pioneer hand-cart...
Folks, I've lived here nine months and all I wanna say is this. I thought us...
Looks like the Griffins haven't missed a beat from last season. Nice win,...
e.g. the federal tax code, 1000 page"stimulus" bills, and 1500 page "health...
@ @Hypocrisy - Thank You... for probably the best laugh I'll have all day....
Sounds like another Utah County scam by some devout conservatives.
More important is to limit super captilism and corrupt wall street and...
I don't know Mr. Strate, BUT, under our Constitution he is INNOCENT until...
Advertisements