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Mark Munoz ends his MMA career on a high note with win over Luke Barnatt

Mark Munoz headed into his fight on Saturday at UFC Fight Night 66 against Luke Barnatt knowing it would be his last.

Munoz spent the last half decade as a UFC middleweight contender, and instead of hanging on too long, made it clear that he wanted to go out on his own terms.

Born in Yokosuka, Japan, to Filipino parents, “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” returned to the Philippines on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila.

With his signature “Donkey Kong” ground and pound in full effect, Munoz pressured Barnatt for the entirety of their scrap. When his wrestling and ground control were less than effective, Munoz ripped Barnatt with uppercuts and a repeating overhand right that consistently wobbled his opponent.

Mark Munoz snapped a three-fight losing streak before retiring in the Philippines.
Mark Munoz snapped a three-fight losing streak before retiring in the Philippines.

As the final seconds ticked away on Munoz’s career, the Filipino faithful rose to their feet, roaring in approval as Munoz unleashed a late third-round onslaught that put an authoritative cap on his final fight.

Standing victorious after the official scorecards of 30-27, 29-28, 30-27 were read, Munoz took the microphone from UFC announcer Jon Anik and addressed the crowd with tears in his eyes.

“From the day when I was a kid, watching cartoons … I remember watching superheroes,” Munoz said. “I get to re-enact that every time I step into the cage. This is something I’ve dreamed about, and I hoped for; I know I didn’t accomplish what I wanted to accomplish in the cage. But I invested a lot of my time in lives and I invested in treasures in their hearts. I’ve been able to help change lives and impact lives in a positive way.”

At 37, and with six years as a UFC contender, Munoz hopes to pass down his athletic pedigree now that his career is over. Always the giver, Munoz — who is widely regarded as one of the nicest, most polite fighters in the sport — is looking to give back to the people who have supported him for all these years.

It can be difficult finding quality amateur wrestling in the Philippines, but the former collegiate standout hopes to change that in the coming years.

“Guys, that’s what I’m here for ... I have a story to be able to give to kids,” Munoz said. “I want to be able to teach and come back here to the Philippines and give my talents and abilities to you guys, and to be able to help the Philippines in wrestling. That’s my goal. I have so much to give for this sport.”

After thanking the UFC and his family, Munoz stripped off the red tape from his gloves, removed them from his hands, and placed them in the center of the Octagon — signaling the end of his career.

“I will cherish these memories for a lifetime,” Munoz said. “We all have a story and mixed martial arts has been the story of my career.”

That’s what fighting is all about, and few, if any, have represented the profession of “fighter” better than Munoz.