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.
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