UFC Fighter Who Beat ‘Notorious’ Lightweight Abruptly Retires From MMA

Alexander Munoz is no longer an active Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter.

Today (Mon., Sept. 30, 2024), UFC Lightweight Munoz took to his Instagram to reveal an email to UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby that he has decided to step away from the UFC roster and give someone else a chance because of numerous injuries that have plagued his career.

“Dear Sean,

I hope this message finds you well,” “Munoz wrote. “I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to you, Dana, and the entire UFC organization for the incredible opportunities you have given me over the years. Fighting in the UFC has been an absolute honor and a dream come true. I’m immensely grateful for your belief in me, especially after the numerous setbacks I’ve faced.”

“In the past six years, l’ve endured multiple injuries that have tested me both mentally and physically,” Munoz continued. “These included but certainly weren’t limited to, two full knee reconstructions on my left knee, a torn PCL in my right knee, and more recently, two weeks before my last fight, I suffered a tear in my right elbow, a separated ac joint in my right shoulder, and I tore 75% of my lat all at once during a sparring accident as I prepared for my last fight. Despite this, I didn’t pull out and fought through these challenges, throwing punches only with my left hand, I was grateful to secure a win. Shortly after recovering from those injuries, I suffered two additional tears in my knee while sparring.”

“I’ve been reluctant to share the extent of these injuries out of concern that they could be targeted in future fights, but after much reflection, I have decided that it’s time to focus on preserving what’s left of my body for the future. My wife and I are planning to start a family this year, and I want to ensure that I can be fully present and healthy for them. It’s with a heavy heart, that I have decided to step away from the UFC roster. I want to give the next guy his chance while I still have the ability to enjoy a healthy future with my family. Thank you again for everything – for your support, your belief in me, and for giving me every opportunity to succeed,” Munoz concluded.

Munoz, 34, came to prominence after he ended Nick Newell’s hype train on season two of Contender Series (2020) via a dominant unanimous decision. The former wrestler did not get a contract but eventually got signed to the promotion in 2020 after another fight on the regional scene.

Munoz ends his UFC career with a 1-2 record, and his sole win is over Carl Deaton.

While he may not be an active fighter anymore, Munoz is a wrestling coach at Team Alpha Male, so he will still be involved in the sport.

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