Pinoy ex-UFC fighter Mark Muñoz issues statement about report saying he allowed kids to box to resolve dispute

Former UFC mixed martial arts fighter Mark Muñoz has issued a statement on TMZ’s report that he was placed on administrative leave after he allegedly let quarreling kids box each other to resolve a playground dispute at the Fairmont Private Schools in Anaheim, California.

The 44-year-old Muñoz, touted as the “Filipino Wrecking Machine”, was reportedly hired as a wrestling coach by the school in 2020.

“With every ounce of who I am, I desire to be a positive influence on kids, to teach kids to be the very best wrestlers, to speak loudly against bullying, and to honor my Lord Jesus Christ,” Muñoz told MMA Junkie.

“There are thousands of wrestlers who I have coached that would affirm those truths from first-hand experience. Under no circumstance would I encourage kids to settle a dispute through fighting.”

According to TMZ, Muñoz was placed on leave until the end of the school year and his contract would not be renewed once it ends.

Muñoz, 44, retired from professional mixed martial arts with a record of 14-6. He last saw action at UFC Fight Night Manila at the Mall of Asia Arena against Luke Barnatt where he won by way of unanimous decision.

—JMB, GMA News