Alexander Munoz announces UFC departure due to injuries: ‘Give the next guy his chance’
Alex Munoz | Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Alexander Munoz is making the tough decision to hang up his UFC gloves.
The lightweight competitor announced Monday via social media he is stepping away from competition due to an accumulation of injuries.
See Munoz’s message to UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby below.
View this post on Instagram
Munoz, 34, was victorious in his most recent fight, scoring a unanimous decision win over Carl Deaton III at a UFC APEX event on July 15, 2023. It was his first win in the UFC after back-to-back defeats to Luis Pena and Nasrat Haqparast.
After expressing his gratitude to Shelby, UFC CEO Dana White, and the organization, Munoz went in to detail on his reasons for retirement.
“In the past six years, I’ve endured multiple injuries that have tested me both mentally and physically,” Munoz wrote. “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 percent 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.”
Though Munoz didn’t expressly say he is retiring for good, given the extent of his injuries and he and his wife’s plans to start a family it’s safe to assume Munoz won’t be making any more walks to the cage.
Munoz closed his statement saying he’d like to free up a spot for another fighter to have the chance to prove themselves.
“It’s with a heavy heart that I have decided to step away from the UFC roster,” Munoz wrote. “I want to give the next guy his chance while I still have the ability to enjoy a healthy future with my family.”
In addition to his three UFC appearances, Munoz is perhaps best remembered for his 2018 Contender Series appearance, where he won a unanimous decision over one-handed fighter Nick Newell. He was just the second fighter to defeat Newell in 16 pro bouts at the time.
Munoz’s pro career record sits at 7-2.
Read more from Munoz’s Instagram caption below.
“The last 30 years of competition have taught me more than I ever could have imagined. The highs, the lows, the victories, and the setbacks—all of it has shaped me into the person I am today. I’m incredibly grateful for the knowledge I’ve gained along the way, and even more grateful for the opportunity to pass it on to the next generation.
“It’s time to give back, to share what I’ve learned, and to help others on their own journeys. Thanks for all the love and support along the way.”
