UFC’s Munoz Set for Hall of Fame Induction
Brian KnappMay 11, 2010
UFC middleweight Mark Munoz will be inducted into the California Wrestling Hall of Fame this Saturday in Sacramento, Calif.
The 32-year-old father of four was a national champion and two-time All-American at Oklahoma State University, where his 121 career victories tie him for sixth all-time with 1988 Olympic gold medalist Kenny Monday. A decorated prep athlete at Vallejo High School in Vallejo, Calif., Munoz was a two-time state wrestling champion and won the 1996 National High School Coaches Association championship at 189 pounds. Following his standout career at Oklahoma State, Munoz served as the wrestling coach at the University of California-Davis, where he crossed paths with future World Extreme Cagefighting featherweight champion Urijah Faber.
Munoz turned to professional mixed martial arts in 2007 and has compiled a stellar 8-1 mark since. He last fought in April, when he roared from behind to stop “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 3 winner Kendall Grove on second-round strikes at UFC 112 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Munoz will carry a three-fight winning streak into his next appearance inside the cage.
The California Wrestling Hall of Fame Class of 2010 includes Ron Baldwin, Dan Eckley, Rod Hedlund, Dennis Helms, Shon Lewis and Dave Rottenberg.