Mark Muñoz
Muñoz in bite suit at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, in 2018
Born (1978-02-09) February 9, 1978
Yokosuka, Japan
Other namesThe Filipino Wrecking Machine
NationalityAmerican and Filipino
Height6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb)
DivisionMiddleweight (2009 – 2015)
Light Heavyweight (2007–2009)
Reach72 in (180 cm)[1]
Fighting out ofLake Forest, California, United States
TeamReign Training Center (2010–2015)[2][3]
RVCA Training Center
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy
RankPurple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Antônio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira[4]
WrestlingNCAA Division I Wrestling[5]
Years active2007–2015
Mixed martial arts record
Total20
Wins14
By knockout6
By submission1
By decision7
Losses6
By knockout3
By submission2
By decision1
UniversityOklahoma State University[6]
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Last updated on: November 23, 2011
Mark Muñoz
Medal record
Collegiate Wrestling
Representing the Oklahoma State Cowboys
NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
Gold medal – first place2001 Iowa City197 lb
Bronze medal – third place2000 St. Louis197 lb

Mark Kenery Muñoz[7] (born February 9, 1978) is a Filipino-American former professional mixed martial artist who last competed in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional competitor from 2007 until 2015, Munoz also formerly competed for the WEC.[8] Throughout his career, Munoz was credited as one of "the nicest guys in MMA" even being officially ranked as No.1 during an Episode of "UFC Tonight" due to his contributions to both the sport of MMA, and his local community through activities such as starting up and running his own gym, and heading his own "anti-bullying" campaign.

Background

Muñoz (left) with other MMA fighters teaching service members at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, in 2018; Beneil Dariush is at center background

Muñoz was born on United States Fleet Activities Yokosuka, a United States Navy base in Yokosuka, Japan, to Filipino parents. At the age of two, Muñoz and his family relocated to Vallejo, California. Muñoz began wrestling at the age of 13 and also played football, but had to give up the latter sport when he was a sophomore in high school due to an injury. Because of his size and raw talent, Muñoz began wrestling with the varsity team at Vallejo High School. At Vallejo, Muñoz went on to be a two-time State Champion, an Asics First Team All-American, a 1995 National High School Champion, and the 1996 NHSCA National High School Champion. Muñoz was also on the honor roll for all four years and a member of the National Honors Society. That same year, Muñoz won a silver medal for the USA Junior National Team and finished fifth in his weight class at the FILA Junior World Wrestling Championship. Muñoz went on to compete at Oklahoma State University, where he compiled 121 wins overall, was a two-time All-American, and won an NCAA National Championship in 2001 as a senior. Muñoz was also a three-year member of the FILA Junior World Wrestling Team, earning the silver medal in 1998. Muñoz received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science from Oklahoma State University, and was also a three-time member of the NWCA All-Academic Team. After finishing college, Muñoz came back to be an assistant coach at Oklahoma State for two years, leading the team to an NCAA National Championship in 2003. Muñoz then began coaching at UC Davis, before transitioning into a career in mixed martial arts.[9][10]

Mixed martial arts career

World Extreme Cagefighting

Muñoz made his WEC debut at WEC 34 on June 1, 2008, in the Arco Arena in Sacramento, California. Muñoz defeated Chuck Grigsby via KO (punches) at 4:15 of the first round.[11]

Muñoz was slated to fight Steve Steinbeiss at WEC 36 on November 5, 2008,[12] but due to an undisclosed reason he was replaced by TUF alum Alex Schoenauer.[13]

Muñoz defeated Ricardo Barros on December 3, 2008 at the WEC's year-end event, WEC 37 via TKO (punches).[14]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Muñoz was one of the chosen few to be relocated to WEC's sister promotion—which is also owned and produced by Zuffa—along with WEC Light Heavyweight Champion Steve Cantwell, Light Heavyweight contenders Brian Stann and Steve Steinbeiss and Middleweight contenders Chael Sonnen and Nissen Osterneck.[15][16][17]

On March 7, 2009, Muñoz made his UFC debut at UFC 96. Muñoz suffered the first loss of his career via knockout (head kick) from Matt Hamill during the first round.[18]

On August 29, 2009, at UFC 102, Muñoz bounced back from his first defeat and answered the critics by winning a close split decision (28–29, 30–27 and 29–28) over fellow wrestler Nick Catone.

On January 2, 2010, at UFC 108, Muñoz faced and defeated MMA veteran Ryan Jensen via first round submission due to strikes at the 2:30 mark of the first round, showcasing some vicious ground and pound.

Muñoz defeated The Ultimate Fighter 3 winner Kendall Grove on April 10, 2010, at UFC 112, by referee stoppage in the 2nd round, also winning the Fight of the Night honors.[19]

Muñoz was defeated by Yushin Okami via split decision on August 1, 2010, at UFC Live: Jones vs. Matyushenko. In this fight, Muñoz was unable to utilize his infamous ground and pound due to Okami's ability to defend his takedowns.

Muñoz won a unanimous decision over Aaron Simpson on November 20, 2010, at UFC 123.

Muñoz defeated TUF 7 finalist CB Dollaway at UFC Live: Sanchez vs. Kampmann on March 3, 2011, via first-round KO. Muñoz landed a right hand that floored Dollaway, where he then followed up with some ground and pound which secured him the victory.

Muñoz defeated Demian Maia via unanimous decision on June 11, 2011, at UFC 131.[20]

Muñoz defeated Chris Leben, in the first 5-round non-title fight in UFC history, on November 5, 2011, by corner stoppage at UFC 138.[21] The stoppage was due to the ground and pound of Muñoz that opened a cut over Leben's eye, rendering him unable to see and continue the fight.

Muñoz was set to fight Chael Sonnen on January 28, 2012, at UFC on Fox: Evans vs. Davis. However, Muñoz pulled out of his fight with Sonnen on January 17, 2012, due to an injury during training and was replaced by Michael Bisping, who was pulled from a scheduled fight with Demian Maia on the same card.[22]

Returning to action, Muñoz instead faced Chris Weidman on July 11, 2012, in the main event at UFC on Fuel TV: Munoz vs. Weidman.[23] He lost the fight via KO in the second round. Munoz broke his foot in the course of the fight and was forced out of competition for a year.

Muñoz defeated Tim Boetsch via unanimous decision on July 6, 2013, at UFC 162.[24]

Muñoz was expected to face Michael Bisping on October 26, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 30.[25] However, Bisping pulled out of the bout with an eye injury and was replaced by Lyoto Machida.[26][27] Munoz lost the fight via knockout in the first round.[28]

Muñoz faced Gegard Mousasi at UFC Fight Night: Munoz vs. Mousasi on May 31, 2014[29] He lost via rear-naked choke submission.

On June 12, 2014 Muñoz's new four-fight contract with UFC was announced.[30]

Muñoz was very briefly scheduled to face Caio Magalhães on February 28, 2015, at UFC 184.[31] However, shortly after the bout was announced by the UFC, Magalhães indicated that he would not be able to compete at the event due to a lingering infection after recent dental surgery, which would require additional surgery.[32] Muñoz stayed on the card and eventually faced returning UFC veteran Roan Carneiro.[33] He lost the fight via technical submission in the first round.

Muñoz faced Luke Barnatt on May 16, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 66. Muñoz has indicated that win or lose, he expected this fight to be his last.[34] Munoz dominated the fight in the stand-up and ground, winning a unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27). Keeping his promise, an emotional Munoz took off his gloves after the fight and placed them in the center of the octagon.[35]

Personal life

Muñoz lives with his wife and his four children in Mission Viejo, California. Muñoz ran his own gym, Reign Training Center, in Lake Forest but in the end of April 2015, he sold it to an investor to dedicate more personal time to his children and as a wrestling coach.[3] He was placed on administrative leave from his job as a high school wrestling coach at Fairmont Private Schools in Anaheim, California, in May 2022 amid allegations he encouraged students to settle their disputes with playground boxing matches. Muñoz issued a statement denying the allegations.[36]

Acting career

Muñoz is acting as the main character of a 2020 film Lumpia with a Vengeance, in which he is also one of the co-producers.[37]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Amateur wrestling

  • FILA Wrestling World Championships
    • FILA World Championships Junior Freestyle 178.5 1b - 5th place (1996)[38]
    • FILA World Championships Junior Freestyle 182.5 1b - 2nd place (1998)[38]
  • USA FILA Junior World Freestyle Championships
    • USA FILA Junior World Freestyle Championship 182.5 1b - Winner (1998)[38]

Collegiate wrestling

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
20 matches 14 wins 6 losses
By knockout 6 3
By submission 1 2
By decision 7 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 14–6 Luke Barnatt Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Edgar vs. Faber May 16, 2015 3 5:00 Pasay, Philippines
Loss 13–6 Roan Carneiro Technical Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC 184 February 28, 2015 1 1:40 Los Angeles, California, United States
Loss 13–5 Gegard Mousasi Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: Muñoz vs. Mousasi May 31, 2014 1 3:57 Berlin, Germany
Loss 13–4 Lyoto Machida KO (head kick) UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Muñoz October 26, 2013 1 3:10 Manchester, England
Win 13–3 Tim Boetsch Decision (unanimous) UFC 162 July 6, 2013 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 12–3 Chris Weidman KO (elbow and punches) UFC on Fuel TV: Muñoz vs. Weidman July 11, 2012 2 1:37 San Jose, California, United States
Win 12–2 Chris Leben TKO (corner stoppage) UFC 138 November 5, 2011 2 5:00 Birmingham, England Leben tested positive for oxycodone and oxymorphone.
Win 11–2 Demian Maia Decision (unanimous) UFC 131 June 11, 2011 3 5:00 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Win 10–2 C. B. Dollaway KO (punches) UFC Live: Sanchez vs. Kampmann March 3, 2011 1 0:54 Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Win 9–2 Aaron Simpson Decision (unanimous) UFC 123 November 20, 2010 3 5:00 Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States
Loss 8–2 Yushin Okami Decision (split) UFC Live: Jones vs. Matyushenko August 1, 2010 3 5:00 San Diego, California, United States
Win 8–1 Kendall Grove TKO (punches) UFC 112 April 10, 2010 2 2:50 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Fight of the Night.
Win 7–1 Ryan Jensen TKO (submission to punches) UFC 108 January 2, 2010 1 2:30 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 6–1 Nick Catone Decision (split) UFC 102 August 29, 2009 3 5:00 Portland, Oregon, United States Middleweight debut.
Loss 5–1 Matt Hamill KO (head kick) UFC 96 March 7, 2009 1 3:53 Columbus, Ohio, United States
Win 5–0 Ricardo Barros TKO (punches) WEC 37: Torres vs. Tapia December 3, 2008 1 2:26 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 4–0 Chuck Grigsby KO (punches) WEC 34: Faber vs. Pulver June 1, 2008 1 4:15 Sacramento, California, United States
Win 3–0 Tony Rubalcava Decision (unanimous) PFC 4: Project Complete October 18, 2007 3 3:00 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 2–0 Mike Pierce Decision (unanimous) Gladiator Challenge 69: Bad Intentions September 22, 2007 3 5:00 Sacramento, California, United States
Win 1–0 Austin Achorn TKO (punches) PFC 3: Step Up July 19, 2007 1 1:25 Lemoore, California, United States Light Heavyweight debut.

NCAA record

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1998 The Boy Who Saved Christmas Member of Elf Ensemble
2012 Here Comes the Boom Himself
2012–2013 The Roots of Fight Himself
2020 Lumpia with a Vengeance Silent Avenger / Kuya

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Fight Card - UFC Fight Night Edgar vs. Faber". UFC.com. Retrieved May 16, 2015.
  2. ↑ "Pilipino MMA Fighter Mark Munoz celebrates Reign training center's 1st Anniversary". bakitwhy.com. March 25, 2011.
  3. 1 2 Chuck Mindenhall (2015-04-28). "Mark Munoz closes his Reign Training Center just weeks before his final fight".
  4. ↑ John Morgan (January 16, 2010). "His borrowed gi days behind him, Mark Munoz eyes jiu-jitsu black belt". MMAjunkie.com.
  5. ↑ "Mark Munoz - Official UFC Fighter Profile". UFC.com. Retrieved May 16, 2015.
  6. ↑ "Welcome markmunoz.net - BlueHost.com". Markmunoz.net. Archived from the original on 2012-02-27. Retrieved 2015-01-27.
  7. ↑ Archived May 27, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  8. ↑ "UFC Fighter Rankings". Ufc.com. 2015-01-18. Retrieved 2015-01-27.
  9. ↑ "Welcome markmunoz.net - BlueHost.com". Markmunoz.net. Archived from the original on 2009-04-14. Retrieved 2015-01-27.
  10. ↑ Mark Munoz (1978-02-09). "Mark Munoz Bio - Oklahoma State Official Athletic Site". Okstate.com. Archived from the original on 2015-02-07. Retrieved 2015-01-27.
  11. ↑ "WEC | World Extreme Cagefighting". Wec.tv. 2015-01-18. Retrieved 2015-01-27.
  12. ↑ "STEVE STEINBEISS VS MARK MUNOZ AT WEC 36". MMAWeekly.com. July 12, 2008. Retrieved 2011-07-25.
  13. ↑ Caplan, Sam (2008-08-25). "TUF alum Alex Schoenauer to make WEC debut on Sept. 10". Five Ounces of Pain. Retrieved 2015-01-27.
  14. ↑ Mike Fridley. "OSU Wrestlers Dominate WEC Undercard". Sherdog.
  15. ↑ Caplan, Sam (2008-09-26). "WEC announces Miguel Torres vs. Manny Tapia for title on Dec. 3; will drop middleweight and light heavyweight divisions in 2009". Five Ounces of Pain. Retrieved 2015-01-27.
  16. ↑ Caplan, Sam (2008-08-30). "WEC moving closer towards elimination of middleweight and light heavyweight divisions". Five Ounces of Pain. Retrieved 2015-01-27.
  17. ↑ "WEC veteran Mark Munoz headed to the UFC in 2009". MMAjunkie. Archived from the original on 2012-07-10.
  18. ↑ "UFC 96 Live Play-by-Play". Sherdog.com. 2009-03-08. Retrieved 2015-01-27.
  19. ↑ "Kendall Grove vs. Mark Munoz in the works for UFC 112 in Abu Dhabi". MMAjunkie.com. 2010-01-18.
  20. ↑ "UFC 131: Mark Munoz vs Demian Maia in the works for June 11 in Vancouver". mmamania.com. March 12, 2011.
  21. ↑ "Chris Leben vs. Mark Munoz headlines UFC 138 in Birmingham, England". mmajunkie.com. 2011-07-19.
  22. ↑ "Munoz out at UFC on FOX 2; Bisping vs. Sonnen now set for shot at champ Silva". MMAJunkie.com. January 17, 2012. Archived from the original on January 19, 2012.
  23. ↑ "Mark Munoz vs. Chris Weidman headlines UFC on FUEL TV 4 on July 11". mmajunkie.com. 2012-04-24. Archived from the original on 2012-07-19.
  24. ↑ Ariel Helwani (2013-03-06). "Mark Munoz vs. Tim Boetsch slated for UFC 162". MMAFighting.com. Retrieved 2013-03-06.
  25. ↑ Morgan, John (12 July 2013). "Michael Bisping vs. Mark Munoz targeted for UFC return to Manchester on Oct. 26". mmajunkie.com.
  26. ↑ Staff (2013-09-27). "Michael Bisping out at UFC Fight Night 30, Lyoto Machida now faces Mark Munoz". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on 2013-09-27. Retrieved 2013-09-27.
  27. ↑ Matthew Roth (2013-09-29). "Michael Bisping apologizes to fans for eye injury that forced him from bout with Mark Munoz". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2013-09-29.
  28. ↑ Dann Stupp. "UFC Fight Night 30 results: Lyoto Machida flattens Mark Munoz via head kick". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-10-26.
  29. ↑ "UFC Fight Night 41 results: Gegard Mousasi dominates, submits Mark Munoz". MMA Fighting. May 31, 2014. Retrieved June 1, 2014.
  30. ↑ Jesse Holland (2014-06-12). "He's back! Mark Munoz inks four-fight UFC contract". mmamania.com.
  31. ↑ Jesse Holland (2014-12-11). "UFC 184: Mark Munoz vs. Caio Magalhaes set for Feb. 28 in Los Angeles". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2014-12-11.
  32. ↑ Guilherme Cruz (2014-12-11). "Caio Magalhaes out of UFC 184 bout with Mark Munoz". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2014-12-11.
  33. ↑ Guilherme Cruz (2014-12-17). "Roan 'Jucao' Carneiro steps in to face Mark Munoz at UFC 184 on Feb. 28". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2014-12-17.
  34. ↑ Anton Tabuena (2015-03-10). "Mark Munoz's retirement bout set for UFC: Manila against Luke Barnatt". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved 2015-03-10.
  35. ↑ Brent Brookhouse (2015-05-16). "UFC Fight Night 66 results: Emotional Mark Munoz tops Luke Barnatt in final fight". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-05-16.
  36. ↑ UFC vet Mark Muñoz issues statement, denies encouraging students to ‘settle a dispute through fighting’ Milan Ordoñez, Bloodyelbow.com (May 26, 2022)
  37. ↑ Alexander K. Lee (November 6, 2020). "Mark Munoz psyched for first starring film role in 'Lumpia with a Vengeance'". mmafighting.com.
  38. 1 2 3 4 5 "National Wrestling Hall of Fame". Wrestlinghalloffame.org. 2015-01-10. Archived from the original on 2010-08-05. Retrieved 2015-01-27.

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