Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/8604
I learned a tremendous amount from that experience and committed myself to improving all aspects of my training. I added the strength and conditioning factor that I was missing, which has made a huge impact in all areas. I also believe in making my weaknesses my strengths. I still fine tune my strengths everyday, but I place the bulk of my focus on my weaknesses. LIVE: Your next fight is against the 6'6" Kendall Grove at UFC 112: Invincible. How have you been training for a fighter his length and size? Munoz: I called in some fighters around his size and speed to come train with me as well as fighters that spe- cialize in his strengths. I've got incredible trainers and training partners that help push me to my limits and build me up as a fighter and as a person at the same time. I'm very blessed to be in the place that I'm at. LIVE: The UFC is making it's first trip in the Middle East when it takes Abu Dahbi by storm at UFC 112. The fights will also take place for the first time in an outdoor arena. What does it mean for you to fight on this his- toric card with future Hall-Of-Famer's Matt Hughes and Anderson Silva? Munoz: It's an amazing opportunity. I feel very fortunate to be on a card that is called the best card in UFC history. It just makes me even that much more excited to be able to showcase the improvements I've made in my game. LIVE: You just opened up your own MMA gym in Lake Forest called Reign Training Center. Has this always been a dream of yours and where can your fans find more information on it? Munoz: Coaching is one of my passions in life. I always thought I would be coaching college wres- tling, until I started my mixed martial arts career. Since then, I knew opening a gym would be a perfect fit because it allows me to coach, train, and be with my family all at the same time. Everything all in one place. It's a win win situation. LIVE: The life of a fighter can be a very stressful one. Through the trials and tribula- tions, who do you look to for inspiration? Munoz: I look up to God for my strength, wisdom, guidance, and attitude. I'm a man of faith and believe that He has blessed me beyond measure and has put me in this place in my life for a reason. Because of His grace, I take comfort in knowing that I can handle any situation put before me. LIVE: Thanks for the chance to interview you Mark. Good luck with your gym Reign in Lake Forest and your future with the UFC. Is there anything else you'd like to say to your fans or anyone you'd like to thank? Munoz: I'd like to extend a very warm thank you to my family, friends, trainers, training partners, and sponsors. Without the help of these people none of this would ever be possible. I love and appreciate your help from the bottom of my heart Interviewer>>Jeff Amend LIVE: You were a two time California state wrestling champion and later an NCAA champion. What kind of impact has your wrestling foundation had on your MMA career? Munoz: My wrestling background has had a temendous affect on my career! The first day I started wrestling I learned perseverance. It was the hardest day I've ever had in any sport, but I knew that it was going to make me better. I stuck with it, worked as hard as I could, and as a result found success. I believe most of life is the same way. Adversity is a part of life, but if we remain perseverant and move forward with a positive attitude things will work out in the end. LIVE: You were successful in the WEC (World Extreme Cage Fighting) organization until your weight class was folded into it's sister promotion, the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championships). You were one of the few chosen by the UFC to make the jump. Can you tell us what it was like to find out you were going to be fighting in the largest and most recognized MMA organization in the world? Munoz: It was an amazing honor to be called up to the UFC It is a great feeling of accomplishment putting so much effort into something and having it pay off. I think I actually got in trouble for announcing it before the organization, but the response of support was crazy. LIVE: In your career you've suffered only one loss to the hands of Matt Hamill in your UFC debut. That kind of loss can make or break a career. How were you able to fight back and reel off two impressive victory's in the UFC? Munoz: I take an optimistic approach to my career. I believe you learn much more from a loss than you do from a win. "Champions aren't measured by how many wins they have, but how many times they pick them- selves up after a loss." - Vince Lombardi 8½ Questions ark Munoz M ON APRIL 10 TH MARK MUNOZ WILL FIGHT KENDALL GROVE AT UFC 112 IN ABU DHABI, DUBAI ON WHAT WILL BE ONE OF THE MOST HISTORIC FIGHT CARDS IN UFC HISTORY. THIS MONTH WE SIT DOWN WITH MR. MUNOZ