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The rise of mixed martial arts in Australia can’t be denied, according to UFC middleweight contender Mark “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” Muñoz.
The former NCAA Division 1 wrestler recently spoke with The Roar regarding his thoughts on the Australian MMA scene.
Muñoz, whose MMA record stands at 12-2, is no stranger to Aussie shores.
“I actually went to Sydney to corner ‘Minotauro’ Noguiera when he fought Cain Velasquez (at UFC 110) and I loved it out there.“ he said.
“I have family out there as well. I love Sydney and I love Australia. People are kind and warm. It’s pretty cool.”
The American fighter noted the Aussies’ passion for the sport, from both fans and participants.
“(The reception from the fans was) pretty awesome. They love MMA out there, it’s a growing market. There are a lot of gyms out there. We visited some gyms and it’s growing, you know. It’s growing out there big time. I think they enjoyed it a lot.”
Muñoz credits the market growth to the UFC’s decision to host events outside of the U.S., which in turn increases the likelihood for home-grown talent.
He explains, “I think it’s great (that the UFC is having another event in Australia). I think the more that we go to Sydney, the better. The more we unlock the market, the more global we get. Because we keep going out to places, they’re going to want to do mixed martial arts. The excitement of just running mixed martial arts and getting into it, I think they’re going to like a lot more.”
Muñoz was last scheduled to face Chael Sonnen on ‘UFC on Fox: Evans vs. Davis’ in January but was forced to withdraw due to an elbow injury. He has since undergone surgery and is currently recovering.
When asked for his prediction on the main event of the upcoming ‘UFC on FX: Alves vs. Kampann’ card to be held in Sydney, Muñoz’s view was split.
“Alves definitely has power but Kampann has technique as far as his striking. Both guys have good ground games, so it’s going to be exciting, I think. The one that’s going to win is going to capitalise in transition – between striking and the ground game.
“So I think the more well-rounded fighter is Kampann but Alves has more power so he can end the fight whenever. I don’t know who to call, but I’d go with Alves if he cuts weight right.”
As for the Aussie fans’ chances of seeing Muñoz live in action?
“I would love to fight in Australia. If they send me out there, I would jump at the opportunity.”
‘UFC on FX: Alves vs. Kampmann’ is scheduled for March 3, 2012 at the Allphones Arena in Sydney, NSW.
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