The UFC have announced this morning that British middleweight contender Luke Barnatt will face off against ‘The Filipino Wrecking Machine’ Mark Munoz at UFC Fight Night Manila on May 16.
The event marks the UFC’s first venture to the Philippines with Munoz flying the flag as the island nation’s most high profile mixed martial artist.
Barnatt commented on the match up via Instagram:
“Glad to be a part of the UFC’s first ever event in the Philippines. Facing off against the most well known Filipino the @ufc has to offer. I will be flying the British flag high in Manila and searching for the Knock Out. Mark is pound for pound the nicest guy in the sport and has been an inspiration to many in his career, its a privilege to be the one hosting his retirement party. #LetsGoBigslow #UFCManila.”
As Team Sonnen’s no.1 pick on The Ultimate Fighter Season 17, Barnatt (8-2) made his UFC debut at the Season Finale with a decision victory over Colin Hart in 2013. ‘Bigslow’ went on to best Andrew Craig via submission at UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Munoz in Manchester, and in 2014, the 26-year-old finished Mats Nilsson via TKO at UFC Fight Night: Gustafsson vs. Manuwa in London. Barnatt suffered the first loss of his career back in May when Sean Strickland claimed a debatable split-decision win, in addition to Roger Navarez who most recently defeated Barnatt, again a via split-decision on the scorecards at UFC Fight Night: Edgar vs. Swanson on November 22.
In contrast, 37-year-old Munoz (13-6) will be looking rectify a three-fight-slump having suffered back-to-back first round losses to Lyoto Machida, Gegard Mousasi, and Roan Carneiro. From 2010 to 2012 Munoz established himself as one of the middleweight division’s top contenders with a four-fight win streak that was eventually halted by current 185lb champion Chris Weidman in 2012 when Munoz returned from eight-month absence due to injury.
Having pulled through multiple long term injures in recent years, Munoz boasts an overall 8-6 record in the UFC, but is just 1-4 in his last five contests. Munoz was last victorious at UFC 162 with a unanimous decision victory over Tim Boetsch.
