INDEED, no one is safe from bullying, even if you’re a former UFC Fighter and champion collegiate wrestler.
Mixed martial arts star Mark “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” Muñoz recalled that he was bullied as a kid and that negative domineering was what steered him to wrestling and eventually MMA, and it all started because of a pair of stolen Js.
“I was bullied myself, believe it or not, because I was a big kid,” he reminisced during UFC Fight Night Manila’s press launch at the Conrad Manila Hotel in Pasay.
“I was taba (fat), I was shy, my shoes were taken away from me, my Air Jordans were taken away and that led me to wrestling and wrestling got me to MMA,” Mark said.
That moment in his life started a chain of events that would catapult him into the successful person he is today.
“It’s about making choices and developing who you are and what you can do,” said Muñoz, who is an Ambassador for the UFC which partnered with Called To Rescue to raise awareness against bullying among local schools.
The Non-Governmental Organization, together with the premier fight group, will go to select schools in the Philippines to teach self-defense tips, talk about human trafficking, and stamp out bullying.
“The Department of Education has given us really great access and so we thank them, always. But we try to go to as many schools as possible,” said Called To Rescue President Dr. Cyndi Romine, who believes that small kids won’t be intimidated by the hulking fighters teaching them.
“I don’t think they will because these guys are very normal people. They love kids, they’re just gonna get in and just scrap around with the kids and I think the kids will have a great time,” she added.
“Speak up. Someone has to take the initiative,” stressed Muñoz, noting that those who get bullied also need to be involved in a group that can protect them from further abuse.
“When someone gets bullied, (it seems) we don’t know what to do. Everybody needs to help,” he added.
Muñoz is in the country with UFC fighters Ricardo Lamas and BJ Penn as well as Asia general manager Ken Berger to promote the Fight Night Manila set Oct.15 at the MOA Arena.
Meanwhile, on every last Monday of August, Filipino stake the time to celebrate and honor their country’s national heroes.They include soldiers, presidents, artists,writers and many more proud Filipinos who have demonstrated an unquestionable love for the Philippines and dedicated their life’s work for the betterment of the country. In celebration of National Heroes Day, UFC – home of the world’s best mixed martial artists —also pays homage to their athletes who double up as modern-day heroes outside the sport; some of whom include our very own kababayans.
Leading the list, of course, is Muñoz.
The retired UFC Middleweight contender Muñoz grew up watching superheroes on TV. Today, he gets to reenact that as a role model and inspiration to kids through his nationwide anti-bullying campaign, encouraging the youth to speak up, get involved and help others in need. Muñoz is also the event ambassador for the upcoming UFC Fight Night Manila.
Stipe Miocic,
UFC Heavy Weight Champion
UFC Heavyweight Champion and “baddest man on the planet”, Stipe Miocic still works as a fireman and paramedic for the Oakwood Village and Valley View Fire Departments in Cleveland, Ohio. Although he is currently training for his first title defense against No. 3 ranked UFC Heavyweight Alistair “The Reem” Overeem at UFC 203, Miocic still remains committed to hisfirefighting duties because it allows him to do what he loves most: helping others.
Tim Kennedy, No. 12
Middleweight contender
The No. 12-ranked UFC Middleweight contender is one of the few professional mixed martial artists today who also actively serves as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army National Guard. While proudly filling the roles as both a fighter and soldier, Tim Kennedy has won 3 of his 4 UFC bouts which includes a win against current UFC Middleweight champion Michael “The Count” Bisping.
Phillipe Nover, UFC Bantamweight
Known for his explosiveness and heavy hands, Phillipe“The Filipino Assassin” Nover understands that he must tone it all the way down when he is in the Lutheran Medical Center where he works as a full-time nurse. When he is not busy saving lives, the proud Filipino-American is currently training for his upcoming Featherweight bout against former UFC Bantamweight champion Renan Barao as the co-main event of UFC FIGHT NIGHT: Cyborg vs. Lansberg.
Brian Stann, former UFC
Middleweight Contender
Brian “All-American” Stann is one of those fighters whose nickname is just a perfect fit. A former UFC Middleweight contender, Stann is also a retired US Marine and was awarded the Silver Star Medal for his leadership, endurance and gallantry in combat. Stann currently serves as President and CEO of Hire Heroes USA, a non-profit organization that helps veterans find a job after they’ve completed their service. He is also a color commentator for UFC.