“This is a chance of a lifetime and I’m not going to miss it.”
NCAA Amateur Wrestling legend and UFC veteran Mark “the Filipino Wrecking Machine” Muñoz, after a rocky last three year-run in MMA, will get to compete one last time in the octagon in his motherland on May 16, 2015 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
UFC Asia executive vice president Ken Berger surprised the media men present during a press conference with the announcement that hometown favorite Mark “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” Muñoz has been added to the stacked UFC Manila card in what would be his last fight. “Just for everybody to know, I’ve been in the UFC for seven years now and I’ve been in the MMA for eight years and this will be my last fight,” Muñoz told reporters.
Even though Muñoz just came from a violent loss just nine days ago [READ: UFC 184: Muñoz wrecked by Carneiro; calls for retirement louder], the Filipino-American wrestler would not miss this opportunity for anything else. “This is a chance of a lifetime and I’m not going to miss it,” a joyful Muñoz exclaimed
Muñoz will be facing Englishman Luke “Bigslow” Barnatt, who has a record of 10-2 with 6 wins coming by way of knockout. The 26-year-old Ultimate Fighter alumni is also one of the tallest fighters at 185 at 6’6″.
“I’m very happy and I’m gonna be prepared. The Philippines is my homeland and is very near in my heart, I grew up very Filipino, and I can’t wait to perform in front of my Kababayans,” said the 37-year-old Muñoz.
According to Muñoz, he decided to retire from the sport of mixed martial arts because he wanted to be with his family more and wants to be a fulltime wrestling coach as well. Moreover, whether he wins or losses in his bout against Barnatt, he is dead set on retiring but, of course, nothing would be much sweeter for the Filipino Wrecking Machine but to go out on top in front of his countrymen.
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