Universal Fighting Championship: Mark "The Filipino Wrecking Machine" Munoz

Last night I chanced upon watching via internet a TV Special featuring UFC's rising mixed martial arts' fighter in our local channel in Pinas. Hosted by Luis Manzano- it chronicled the life of a rising star in the sports world of Universal Fighting Championship. He's none other than Mark Munoz.

Mark "The Filipino Wrecking Machine" Munoz

 I've always been a die-hard fan of boxing more than any other contact sports. A clear reason why I'm always behind our "Pambansang Kamao" Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao supporting every time he has a fight.

But it can never be discounted that I too love other contact sports. And when it comes to this particular sport I think I'm not lagging behind since I know some superstars from this sport discipline like Ken Shamrock, George St. Pierre, Tito Ortiz to name a few.

Mark and his wife Kristi

What even struck me more last night was this man's faith. How he carries it along with his sport is such an amazing thing about him. He has a very strong connection to the Lord. In fact, he even mentioned that there are 4 (four) "F's" that he literally lives by. He revealed that he's a Godly man. And so I will tell you the four "F's" according to its level of priority.

• FAITH -This one comes first to him. He's commendable spiritual inclination has got to do how his family values their faith to our Creator. His faith is his ultimate best friend.
• FAMILY - This one comes second. I know all should put family as second to God. And he's just right when he says that he has a close-knit family ties. He values family that much. He has four children by the way to his ever faithful and supportive wife Kristi.
• FRIENDS - Friends are also an important element in his life. No wonder he enjoys a good leverage in this zone because of his mild-mannered personality. Like what his friends would say, he's totally a different man outside of the octagon (the ring where the fight happens). He's so genuine, sincere, good-hearted, and always display a positive resolve.
• FILIPINO - Now, this one he would never ever forget. He shared that he's so proud of his roots. Even if he was born in Japan, was raised in U.S. of A yet he's so connected with his being a Filipino. He really wants to represent our culture. It's so nice to get to know a man considered as one of the best beast in his middle weight class yet has a soft spot in his heart when being a Filipino is being put to limelight. This is one of the reasons why he's so consistent and persistent to win the title and be the best that he can be.

Mark Munoz and his family

He might be the beast in the octagon ring but he's got a heart for social work. He's supporting an anti-bullying efforts in his local area in Mission Viejo, California. He's so passionate about the causes he supports and will really extend his time to reach out whenever needed and if he's time permits.

He's such a good man as evident by the numerous "Hi and Hello" or Hey Mark, Good to see you bro!" greetings when he's out in public with his family. His popularity is even more sparkling by the way he live his life.


He's also passionate about his five "D's" to Success: Desire, Direction, Diligence, Discipline and Dedication.

Maybe some of the Filipino aspirants in the mixed martial arts craft can emulate him in his passion for the sport but what fascinates me more about him and worthy of an emulation by all of us Filipinos is his happy disposition in life and how he optimistically affects the people that surrounds him that when you ask any of them they would always say "good words" for Mark.

For me, even if I haven't met him yet I can say he's one of the nicest persons in the world.

Mark Munoz, may your tribe increase!

Good luck on your career! We are so proud of you!