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11/22/2024 03:20:35 am

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UFC Fight Night 66: Mark Muñoz Beats Luke Barnatt, Retires A Winner

It doesn't get any better than that.

Mark Muñoz won the last fight of his mixed martial arts career as he subdued UK's Luke Barnatt via unanimous decision, 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28 at UFC Fight Night 66 held in his native Philippines.

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And his farewell speech is as magical as his awe-inspiring final performance.

Known as "The Filipino Wrecking Machine", Muñoz started the match strongly, landing a couple of his patented overhand rights on the Briton. He also executed some take downs that brought loud cheers from the pro-Muñoz crowd.

The 37-year old was slower in round two, but Barnatt was not able to capitalize it. Muñoz then landed a big right hand during the closing seconds to perhaps steal the round in his favor.

In the final round, a visibly fatigued Muñoz pressed on and continued to catch Barnatt in more grapples and take downs. He released a bevy of heavy punches while on top as the clock winds down to zero, much to the delight of the crowd.

"From the days I was a kid, I remember watching cartoons and seeing superheroes," Munoz addressed the live audience (consisting mostly of Filipinos) immediately after the fight. "And I get to do that every time I come in to the cage. Thank you very much for the support and the trust in me, I love you guys so very much."

Muñoz (14-6, 6 KOs) is in a bit of decline after losing his last three fights prior to this one. He lost his last fight via a rear-naked chokehold subsmission against Roan Carneiro at UFC 184 in Los Angeles last February.

He announced his retirement before the fight against Barnatt, and had done so afterwards, leaving his gloves in the center of the Octagon for the last time.

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