AAPI MMA Fighters win at UFC Fight Night 66 in Manila as Mark Munoz Retires


Three Asian American/Pacific Islander MMA fighters won at UFC Fight Night 66 in Manila (Pasay to be exact) Philippines.  Jon “The Super Saiyan” Tuck, the first Chamorro signed to the UFC, submitted Tae Hyun Bang, by rear naked choke.  Mark “the Filipino Wrecking Machine” Munoz won his last match before retiring via unanimous decision over Luke Barnatt.  In his return to the UFC, Phillipe “The Filipino Assassin” Nover won a split decision victory over Yui Chul NammarkI thought he lost that deciding critical second round, but it was close.

It’s interesting how the UFC has used Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to enter new markets in Asia.   Cung Le, known in Asian for his action movie roles, headlined the UFC’s first event in China and later coached the Ultimate Fighter China.  Asia is not that far for Jon Tuck (he’s from Guam), who also was on the main card with Le in Macao in that first event.  Mark Munoz did tours and rallies in the Philippines to bring a UFC event there.   Munoz sold his MMA gym Reign and retired in order to spend more time with his family.

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About Jeff

Jeff lives in Silicon Valley, and attempts to juggle marriage, fatherhood, computer systems research, running, and writing.
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