Mark Munoz vs Nick Catone UFC 102 fight in the works for August 29

by Jesse Holland on Apr 20, 2009 11:59 AM EDT

World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) veteran and UFC sophomore Mark Munoz (5-1) will look to even his record inside the Octagon when he collides with fellow mixed martial arts up-and-comer Nick Catone (6-1) at UFC 102 from the Rose Garden Arena in Portland, Ore., on August 29, according to MMAWeekly.

Munoz first turned some heads with two strong showings under the WEC banner in 2008. The collegiate wrestling champion from Oklahoma State University debuted for the promotion at WEC 34: "Sacramento," scoring an impressive first round technical knockout win over Chuck Grigsby.

Six months later he was back in action on the WEC 37: "Torres vs. Tapia" card. And, again, he was impressive with a first round technical knockout, this time over WEC newcomer Ricardo Barros.

Munoz looked to carry that momentum into his UFC debut against Matt Hamill on March 7, unfortunately "The Hammer" used a brutal head kick to send "The Philippine Wrecking Machine" to his first career loss -- and a date with a ringside stretcher.

Munoz aims to return to form later this summer.

Catone — who trains under Brazilian jiu-jitsu stud Ricardo Almeida in Hamilton, N.J. — made his Octagon debut against Derek Downey at UFC Fight Night 17 after The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 7 champ Amir Sadollah was forced to cancel on him on two separate occasions -- first at UFC 91 due to a leg infection and then on February 7 because of an injured clavicle.

"The Gentleman" lived up to his moniker by taking the fight on short notice but got submitted (keylock) by Catone for his efforts -- who then agreed to throwdown with fellow TUFster Tim Credeur at UFC Fight Night 18.

This time it would be "Crazy" who would capitalize, submitting Catone in the second round of their April 1 scrap via rear naked choke.

Like Munoz, Catone is hoping to rebound from his first professional loss.

UFC 102 is expected to feature one of the sport’s biggest stars — and local-area product — former heavyweight and light heavyweight champion Randy Couture, locking horns with former Pride FC and UFC interim heavyweight champion, Antonio Rodrigo ‘Minotauro’ Nogueira.

To check out the latest UFC 102 fight card and rumors click here.

Tweet Comment 16 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

i think this is a loser leaves town match

by bryant on Apr 20, 2009 12:07 PM EDT reply actions

Before, I couldn’t wait to see WEC guys fight in the UFC. I wanted to see how the UFC’s sister fight company’s Champs would do against the UFC champs. But losses by top level WEC talent like Condit, Cantwell, Munoz, and Brian Stan to mid-level UFC fighters makes me respect the UFC caliber fighter even more.

The UFC talent is head and shoulders above any other fight org.

by TabascoSAUCE on Apr 20, 2009 6:35 PM EDT up reply actions

MEGA FIGHT!!!! lol

by john on Apr 20, 2009 12:12 PM EDT reply actions

Go Munoz. He still has potential. He reminds me of a green Josh Koschek. Remember how bad Kos looked when he started at TUF?

by Pat on Apr 20, 2009 12:21 PM EDT reply actions

WTF? Is Cantone wee weeing?

by Dana's a CrossDresser on Apr 20, 2009 12:31 PM EDT reply actions

Is this at 185???

by Dennis on Apr 20, 2009 1:30 PM EDT reply actions

its weird that these guys are in the UFC at 205 and Chuck is not

by McArthur on Apr 20, 2009 1:31 PM EDT reply actions

im pretty sure they can take alot heavier shot than chuck at this point in there careers. so thats the difference

by Jared on Apr 20, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions

its a middelweight weight

by bryant on Apr 20, 2009 1:32 PM EDT reply actions

Anyone know what weight this fight will be at? THIS IS GOING TO BE FIGHT OF THE YEAR!!!! HAHA

by belfort_fan on Apr 20, 2009 2:24 PM EDT reply actions

Wow Mark Munoz woke up already? I thought for sure he would still be in a coma…

by JRE on Apr 20, 2009 2:40 PM EDT reply actions

haha yeah that KO was no joke

by ShitleTot.com on Apr 20, 2009 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions

funny thing..the UFC management is trying sooo hard to make stars of filipino fighters because they want to promote in the philippines/they want to have a manny pacquiao that is popoular in the philippines and has a decent following in the u.s..so even if they lose like Brandon the MOUTH Vera they are still given chances that they dont give to other fighters…Werdum had one really bad night and he’s gone.vera had a lot of bad nights and he’s still given chances…an munoz lost terribly and he’s still given another chance

by moy on Apr 20, 2009 11:45 PM EDT reply actions

color of the money.

by James on Jul 19, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Dude, give Munoz a chance. He just started mma less than 2 years ago and has jumped up the ranks quickly for a reason. UFC knows what they are doing. Yea, he had a poor fight in his UFC debut, but I feel very sorry for the next guy that steps in the cage with him. I see him in the gym with top guys that have been fighting for 10 years and he is all over them. Just needs to fight in the cage like he does in the gym and he will run over his opponents.

by fan on Apr 21, 2009 1:31 AM EDT reply actions

he’s new in mma..but has been wrestling long enough already..at a very high level…so its no excuse for such a sorry loss.he looked really intimidated when it comes to striking..its a “heart” problem lol

by vera on Apr 21, 2009 3:45 AM EDT reply actions