Flashing the wrestling prowess that made him a collegiate wrestling All-American, Rad Martinez slammed his way to victory in his Bellator debut, defeating Bryan Van Hoven in a unanimous decision win at Bellator 50.

Just months ago, Martinez was nearly unknown on the national MMA scene until a June episode of ESPN's Outside the Lines featured his heart-wrenching story as the primary caregiver for his disabled father, Richard.

Martinez was soon signed by Bellator, and he quickly capitalized on the opportunity by winning his major organization opener by a trio of 30-27 scores.

The 32-year-old, Utah-based fighter controlled the action throughout, utilizing several slam takedowns along the way. Van Hoven had his share of moments in the striking department, but he couldn't keep upright long enough to sustain any offense.

Meanwhile, Martinez's ground attack wasn't punishing, but he grinded away with strikes from the top and kept positional control for long stretches. Van Hoven's best moment came when he locked in a guillotine late in the second, but Martinez held on until the bell and cruised in the third round.

Martinez improved to 10-2 overall while Van Hoven fell to 7-4.