Filipino-American Mark Muñoz wins farewell fight at UFC Fight Night Manila
by PSR News Bureau
Filipino-American UFC fighter Mark Muñoz, hailed as ‘The Filipino Wrecking Machine’ bounded out to the UFC Octagon for the last time Saturday night at the SM MOA Arena with a smile on his face as he dominated against young English middleweight Luke Barnatt in his farewell fight.
After three exciting rounds, Muñoz had earned a resounding victory over an opponent 10 years younger than him and six inches taller. He also got to end a storied career on his own terms—something beyond rare in the fight world. It was Muñoz who brought the Philippine map into UFC cage and he was also instrumental in bringing UFC to the Philippine shore. He wanted badly to finish his athletic career in the land of his ancestors. The crowd loved him, he loved them back, Muñoz even gave a moving post-fight speech.
“I have so much to give this sport,” Muñoz said. A former NCAA Division wrestling national champion’s signature Donkey Kong-punched his way up to the UFC ranks with years of hard work and big victories. He always warm up to fans and admirers with his genuine niceness. Muñoz became a top fighter while simultaneously training others as the founder and owner of the top fight gyms in the world, Reign.
Mark, 37, also went through depression after consecutive loss, he shared them with the world hoping that others out there suffering though similar battles could know that they were not alone. That was real courage. Even his reasons for retiring were equally hearwarming. Muñoz let it be known that he now realized he’d missed too much time with his family, and he wanted to devote much more of his life to being present for his wife and kids. He sold his gym and decided to retire from the competition. Mark Muñoz the person, his gentleness and his warmth are much more significant than athletic accomplishments.
‘The Filipino Wrecking Machine’ began his pro MMA career in 2007 at 205 pounds. With brutal TKO wins over Chuck Grisby and Ricardo Barros, Muñoz opened the world’s eyes just how much damage the soft-spoken wrestler could do. The grappler was never content to rely on his take down ability, ride out the time and earn decision victories. Muñoz is both endearing a yet dangerous because he had a penchant for throwing his entire body behind his leaping ground punches, making them devastating to opponents and thrilling to watch for fans. He’s more than just a fan-pleasing slugger though. From 2009 to 2012, Muñoz won seven fights out of eight.
In his prime, Muñoz lost to only the best of the best. And after his prime, he fought on, through adversity, loss and injuries, always showing grit and determination.
With the impressive victory over Barnatt, Muñoz snaps his three-fight losing skid and finishes his eight-year professional career with a record of 14-6.
Congratulations Mark from Philippine Showbiz Republic (PSR)! Thank you for making us proud!
