Muñoz eyes comeback in June

source: mb.com.ph

Fil-American Mark Muñoz hopes to return strong by mid-year following an injury that cost him a key UFC fight last month.

“Everything happens for a reason,” the 34-year old Muñoz said in a press conference Monday at the ELJ Building of ABS-CBN. “My condition has improved since the surgery and I hope to come back strong.”


Muñoz’s surgery came after he pulled out of a scheduled Jan. 28 middleweight fight with Chael Sonnen to remove bone chips on his right elbow. The match was a qualifying for a UFC title fight Anderson Silva.

The pullout denied the so-called “Filipino Wrecking Machine” a chance to face Silva, who has yet to lose a fight for the last six years.

Sonnen defeated Michael Bisping, Muñoz’s replacement, in a three-round unanimous decision.

That prompted Sonnen to earn the right to face Silva for the title which will be held sometime during the year.

Muñoz, meanwhile, would like to have the same opportunity some day.

“As long as someone gives me a title shot, I’ll be ready,” added Muñoz, who has an MMA record of 12-2.

Since arriving here before the weekend, the 6-foot, 186 lb former amateur wrestler in the US NCAA has been busy.

He was a guest in Saturday’s PXC29 card at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City and took part in an MMA seminar in Libis.