Mark Muñoz takes role of UFC’s Philippine ambassador

MANILA, Philippines – After bringing his 8-year prizefighting career to a storybook close last year, retired Filipino-American fighter Mark Muñoz has a new role in the Ultimate Fighting Championship as he will serve as the organization’s ambassador for its second live Philippine event. 

From August to October, Muñoz will be conducting mixed martial arts (MMA) clinics, empowerment workshops, and meet-and-greet sessions to promote the sport and the card dubbed “UFC Fight Night Manila 2,” which takes place at the 20,000-seater SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on October 15.

In addition, Muñoz will take part in a number of community activities and charity affair with Called to Rescue and SM Cares as part of UFC’s “We Are All Fighter” campaign, which delves into the stories of real-life fighters and their battles beyond the Octagon.

“It is a dream to come back to the country that gave me an unforgettable ending to my journey as a professional fighter,” Muñoz says, referring to his new duty in the UFC.”

“As I return to promote UFC Fight Night Manila, I also hope to share my passion, talent, and abilities to our young Filipino athletes. I look forward to helping my kababayans (countrymen) take their game to the next level. I hope to see more Filipinos make a name for themselves in the Octagon in the future,” he added.

Muñoz has been recognized by the UFC as one of the promotion’s 200 greatest competitors of all time.

The 38-year-old native of Mission Viejo, California had a 6-year tenure in the world’s premier MMA company and managed to land on the number 179 spot of the rankings.

Muñoz is one of the few who managed to secure a triumphant epilogue to his professional career as “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” turned back the clock to dominate young English middleweight Luke Barnatt in his farewell fight on the undercard of the first UFC Fight Night Manila in May 2015.

Although he was coming off 3-straight stoppage setbacks, Muñoz returned to top physical form as he overpowered Barnatt over 3 rounds to sweep the judges’ sheets with the scores of 30-27, 29-28 and 30-27. 

Muñoz overwhelmed Barnatt from start to finish with repetitive takedowns and solid overhand rights to negate the length and height leverage. 

The pro-Muñoz crowd erupted in the dying seconds of the third round when he scored a single-leg takedown and concluded it with his signature “Donkey Kong” ground-and-pound. 

Muñoz left his gloves at the center of the Octagon as his sendoff gesture and delivered a heartfelt speech in his post-fight interview. 

Muñoz will be in attendance for UFC Fight Night Manila 2’s on-sale press conference on August 17 at Conrad Hotel in Pasay City. – Rappler.com