Mark Munoz
Mark Munoz | “The Filipino Wrecking Machine”
Ht: 6’0 – Wt: 185 – Age: 34
Born: Yokouska, Japan
Fights out of: Vallejo, CA, USA
Team: Kings MMA | Reign Training Center
Overall Record: 12-3
UFC Record: 7-3
Background:
Mark Munoz is a rising contender in the UFC middleweight division. Munoz was a 2-time All-American wrestler at Oklahoma State University before making his way to mixed martial arts in 2007. Munoz won his first 3 fights on the independent circuit, including a decision victory over future UFC veteran Mike Pierce, before signing with the WEC in 2008. Munoz won his first two fights in the WEC via 1st round finishes and was soon transferred to the UFC after the WEC’s heavier weight classes were eliminated. Munoz faced off against fellow wrestler Matt Hamill at UFC 96 and was stunningly knocked out cold by a huge head kick. Following the loss, Munoz decided to drop down to 185 lbs. Munoz narrowly won a decision over Nick Catone in his middleweight debut before scoring impressive finishes over Ryan Jensen and Kendall Grove. Munoz quickly moved up the ranks as he faced off against perennial top contender Yushin Okami, but lost a tough split decision. Munoz bounced back with a decision victory over Aaron Simpson before winning 3 consecutive fights in 2011 against C.B. Dollaway, Demian Maia, and Chris Leben that have propelled him into title contention.
2011 Breakdown:
Munoz fought 3 times in 2011, winning each fight as he quickly moved his way up the middleweight ranks and towards a possible title shot.
Munoz began the year by facing TUF 7 runner-up C.B. Dollaway at UFC Live 3. Dollaway looked for a takedown early, but Munoz eventually freed himself and connected with a big right hand that dropped Dollaway to the floor. Munoz swarmed and the fight was quickly stopped.
Munoz moved on to face former title contender and BJJ expert Demian Maia at UFC 131. Maia surprisingly rocked Munoz in the 1st round with an early left hand. The rest of the round was back-and-forth, but Munoz likely found himself already down on the scorecards. In the 2nd and 3rd rounds, Munoz dictated the pace and where the fight was going to take place due to his wrestling advantage. Munoz began landing the better strikes, but Maia more than held his own on the ground. Munoz ended up winning a close unanimous decision victory.
Munoz received main event status for UFC 138 as he faced off against heavy-hitter Chris Leben. Munoz tried to use his wrestling early, but Leben soon turned the tables with a few of his own takedowns. Munoz eventually took top control and landed some solid punches before both men returned to their feet and let their hands go. It was an entertaining 1st round that narrowly went to Munoz. In the 2nd round, Munoz went back to punishing Leben with heavy ground ‘n’ pound from the top. Leben was able to survive the round, but the bout was soon ended after Leben stated he could not see out of his left eye.
2012 Forecast:
Munoz had as good of a year as any fighter in the UFC as he battled his way into title contention. Munoz’s blend of wrestling and striking power make him a legitimate threat in the UFC middleweight division. Munoz still has some limitations as far as his overall experience and fight IQ. He continues to put himself in dangerous situations when striking as he swings very wide. Munoz will likely take a big step up in competition as he faces the likes of top contenders Chael Sonnen or Vitor Belfort, but depending on the situation, Munoz could be thrust into a possible title shot with just one more win.
Mark Munoz Fight Record
Overall Record: 12-2
2008-2011 Record: 9-2
2011 Record: 3-0
Win | Chris Leben | Tko | Rd 2 | UFC | 11/05/2011
Win | Demian Maia | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 06/11/2011
Win | C.B. Dollaway | KO | Rd 1 | UFC | 03/03/2011
2010 Record: 3-1
Win | Aaron Simpson | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 11/20/2010
Loss | Yushin Okami | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 08/01/2010
Win | Kendall Grove | Tko | Rd 2 | UFC | 04/10/2010
Win | Ryan Jensen | Sub | Rd 1 | UFC | 01/02/2010
2009 Record: 1-1
Win | Nick Catone | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 08/29/2009
Loss | Matt Hamill | KO | Rd 1 | UFC | 03/07/2009
2008 Record: 2-0
Win | Ricardo Barros | Tko | Rd 1 | WEC | 12/03/2008
Win | Chuck Grigsby | Tko | Rd 1 | WEC | 06/01/2008
