At just 46 pounds, Nyla Martinez fights with the heart of a giant. Representing Alliance Las Vegas Cobrinha Mountains Edge, this young Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitor has already built a name for herself in the light featherweight division. With a fearless spirit, relentless work ethic, and a love for the grind, Nyla steps onto every mat with one goal: to give it her all and never back down. Inspired by her family and driven by her own hunger to succeed, she is proving that heart, hustle, and a cheetah-like mindset can take you far in combat sports no matter your size.

What inspired you to start training in combat sports?
My cousins from New Mexico are in jiu jitsu. I was visiting them one time and went to watch one of their classes. As soon as I saw the cool stuff they were doing, I told my dad that I wanted to do it too!

Which discipline did you start with, and how has your style evolved?
I’ve been training in jiu jitsu for 2 years. I didn’t know how to do anything when I started. Now I can do different takedowns and lots of submissions — like armbars, Americanas, rear naked chokes, and cross chokes.

How would you describe your fighting style in one sentence?
I’m tough, brave, strong, and fast. I don’t give up.

Who are your biggest influences or role models in combat sports?
Professor Ryan, Coach Noe, and Coach John. They help me out a lot and teach me new things. I like to watch Coach John, Coach Kat, and Coach Noe compete. It helps me learn from them.

What’s been the toughest fight of your career so far, and why?
My gold medal match at Jiu Jitsu World League Pan Americans. Before that competition, I won a lot of silver medals and I told my dad that I really wanted to win a gold. The girl I was fighting was strong and it was hard to do anything against her. I got a sweep with like a minute left and won the match 2-0. I was so happy, I couldn’t believe it! I was my gym’s first JJWL Pan Am’s champ!

How do you mentally prepare before stepping into the ring or cage?
I think about my game plan first. Then I tell myself, “A cheetah’s gotta do what a cheetah’s gotta do.” Cheetahs are my favorite animal, so I think about going in there, grabbing my grips, and not letting go. Like when a cheetah catches a zebra and doesn’t let it go.

What’s your training schedule like during fight camp versus the off-season?
I’m always training. I usually train 6 days a week. Sometimes I go twice a day, like in the summer or when I have a day off from school. Gi is my favorite. I only train no gi once a week.

How important is diet and recovery in your routine?
Before I won my gold medal, I couldn’t have candy or treats for like a month so I could be at the right weight, and it was after Halloween so that was hard. Now I’m in a different weight class though. My favorite food is grilled pork chop and Caesar salad. I eat it all the time. Sometimes they call me Pork Chop at the gym. The night before my competition I always eat spaghetti and vegetables to give me energy. It’s important to eat good food so I can be strong and fast for my fights. After my fights I like to eat ice cream.

What’s your go-to move or combination that opponents should fear?
Far side lasso to armbar. Or spider guard and scissor sweep.

Do you study your opponents before fights, or rely more on your instincts?
I try to find out what moves my opponents do, but sometimes that’s hard to do so I just have to go in there and do what I want to do.

How do you handle nerves or pressure before a big match?
I don’t really get nervous, but I like to listen to music from my headphones. I have a playlist with Taylor Swift songs and songs from Kidz Bop that pump me up.

Which do you value more in a fight — technique, power, or heart? Why?
Heart. My dad always tells me to work hard and don’t give up. Professor Ryan and Professor Hector say, “Train hard so the fight is easy.” I don’t know all the techniques yet so I just have to try my best.

Is there a dream opponent or match you’d love to have in the future?
I want to win another gold medal in Jiu Jitsu World League or win a gold medal in IBJJF competition.

How do you balance the intensity of combat sports with your personal life?
I like to play other sports like basketball and soccer too. I also like to relax by going swimming, going to the lake, reading, watching movies, or playing on my tablet.

How do you stay focused during a long, grueling round?
If I have a hard match I just try to be tough and strong until it ends.

How do you handle criticism, whether from coaches, fans, or media?
My coaches tell me things to help me get better. I always try to do what they say.

What advice would you give to young fighters just starting out?
I like to help the new kids in my gym. I like to show them the things that I know. I would just say to keep practicing and to try your best.

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