The showdown between Mark “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” Muñoz (12-2-0) and Chris Weidman (8-0-0) on UFC on Fuel TV 4 will usher in a new era for MMA in the Philippines.
On July 14, at 11:00 p.m. PHL time (11:00 a.m. EST), the replay will be telecast across the whole archipelago for free on leading local TV channel ABS-CBN
This move will boost the awareness of MMA among sport fans in the home country of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, the 12th most populous in the world (with 101,833,938 people as of 2011).
A three-part UFC special has been running since June 30 on ABS-CBN, hosted by the Ultimate Panel composed of Filipino actor Luis Manzano, matinee idol and former amateur MMA fighter JM De Guzman, former professional MMA fighter Christian Wong and top Filipino grappler Ali Sulit.
On the first two episodes, aired on June 30 and July 7, the trio discussed the background of Muñoz as a “fighter, coach, father, brother and friend.”
Previous UFC fights won by the fighter, whose parents hail from the Southeast Asian country, were also shown and analyzed.
The Filipino Wrecking Machine emerged victorious over Aaron Simpson, C.B. Dollaway, Demian Maia and most recently Chris Leben to build up a four-fight winning streak in the UFC. He also previously beat Nick Catone, Ryan Jensen and Kendall Grove.
His two losses inside the UFC were dealt by Matt Hamill and Yushin Okami.
The last episode, which will air on July 14, will cover Muñoz’s fight versus Chris Weidman.
Widely perceived by fight fans as a potential title eliminator for the UFC middleweight belt still worn by Anderson Silva, who stopped Chael Sonnen last Saturday night, Filipinos everywhere will be rooting for Muñoz to overcome the tough test that Weidman will provide.
Manny Pacquiao lost to Timothy Bradley last month, while Nonito Donaire Jr.—another top Filipino boxer—unified the WBO and IBF superbantamweight title by dominating Jeffrey Mathebula last Saturday.
Filipinos are hoping that Muñoz will follow up Donaire’s victory with his very own inside the Octagon for a second celebration this week.
Karlo Silverio Sevilla is a Contributor for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained first-hand.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com