“The Filipino Wrecking Machine” has lost three straight fights including four of his last five. But his latest fight, against Roan “Jucão” Carneiro, may have been the worst loss Mark Muñoz ever experienced on Sunday at the Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Mark Muñoz was originally scheduled to face Caio Magalhaes in this fight card but Magalhaes had to pull out due to an infection. The returning UFC veteran Roan Carneiro took the fight shortly.
Prior to this fight, Muñoz was fairly confident that he will bounce back. During his pre-taped interview, Muñoz has stated that this has been the healthiest he has been going into a fight in three years. Moreover, the 37-year old, 8 year MMA veteran is visibly larger than his Brazilian opponent.
During UFC 184, however, the Filipino-American fighter lost in violent fashion in just the first round. The Oklahoma State wrestler tried to take Carneiro down but a sprawl by the Brazilian caught Muñoz with a headlock. Jucão was able to take control of the wrestler on the ground and eventually took his opponent’s back. The Brazilian quickly sunk in a deep rear naked choke and with about 15 or so seconds, Muñoz was unconscious.
It was a late stoppage by the referee as it took at least more than five seconds too long before the referee stopped the bout. Even Carneiro was begging for the referee to stop the fight. Fortunately, Muñoz was able to regain consciousness and was able to leave the octagon with his senses intact.
This is Mark Munoz’s (13-6, 8-6 UFC) third straight loss with two of those losses coming from elite UFC Middleweights: former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion Gegard Mousasi (7th MW) and former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida (3rd MW). Moreover, with his career in the late stages due to age (37) and declining octagon performance, fans and media alike have been calling for his retirement to avoid more physical punishment on his body.
