MARK Muñoz put a fitting end to a roller-coaster mixed martial artist career as he outclassed Luke Barnatt in UFC Fight Night Manila on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Filipino-American fighter turned to what he does best – wrestling - in delivering a dominant showing to register the unanimous-decision victory before an appreciative home crowd.
Muñoz's six-inch height disadvantage was hardly felt as the Filipino Wrecking Machine overpowered his British foe with takedowns, then pounded him on the ground.
The match was not just a farewell one but also a homecoming for Muñoz, who fought for the first time in the country and didn't disappoint his compatriots in the maiden staging of the world's premier MMA outfit in Manila.
"It’s a storybook ending," said Muñoz, who gave a heartfelt retirement speech after the well-received bout. "It’s a dream come true."
Muñoz put a halt to a three-fight skid to end his career with a decent 14-6 win-loss slate, while dealing Barnatt his third straight loss.
Another Fil-Am emerged successful, albeit questionably, as Phillipe Nover eked out a split-decision victory over Yui Chul Nam after fading in the last two rounds.
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