Mark Munoz is no longer knocking for a UFC title shot.
The door is wide open, and Munoz is ready to step over the threshold and get his opportunity to compete for the UFC middleweight title.
“The Filipino Wrecking Machine” extended his winning streak to four at UFC 138 on Saturday night after opening up a nasty gash over Chris Leben’s eye and forcing the referee to call an end to the bout.
“Chris Leben is a tough competitor. I knew I had to look out for his left hand,” Munoz said to Joe Rogan in the cage after his win. “I had to get rid of my brawling instincts and stick to my wrestling. I had to get angles, change levels and utilize my wrestling and my single leg and my ground and pound.”
Throughout his UFC tenure, Munoz has been criticized for abandoning his world-class wrestling pedigree and attempting to outlast opponents in unnecessary and wild exchanges on the standup.
Munoz was a two-time All-American and an NCAA Division I wrestling champion at Oklahoma State. He has the skill set to present plenty of problems for any fighter at 185 pounds.
It was a major statement to see him stick with his grappling roots in his bout with Leben.
In the main event of a major UFC fight card, most would’ve expected Munoz to throw out any form of a game plan and stand toe to toe with Leben winging haymakers.
Instead, the world saw a much more mature Munoz. He put on an exciting showing for fans, but he wasn’t reckless in doing so.
He did what needed to be done to get the victory.
Is Munoz ready for a title shot?
“I’ve paid my dues in this weight class. I think I deserve a title shot,” said Munoz. “Anderson Silva is by far the best pound-for-pound fighter. I give him all the respect and honor. I consider him a friend, but I think I deserve a title shot right now.”
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