Reader comments
Rad and his Dad: Martinez takes care of dad, beats people up

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Rad, You are a great man! I coach because I get to train guys like you. Keep up the good work.

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.

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

the title could use some sense review. Instead of "beat people up", why not "Ultimate Fighter?"

An inspiring story indeed...

What a great story. Truley inspirational. How do you not root for this guy in everything he does. Good luck in the future.

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.

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.

It was great to get to know Radly and his family thru this story. Rad's dedication, drive, determination, and accomplishments are truly inspiring.

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.

What an awesome story, thanks Deseret News and good luck Rad and dad!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.