Pedro Munhoz is ready to move on from the UFC.<\/p>\n
Munhoz (20-10 MMA, 10-10 UFC) has been a fierce competitor in the bantamweight division since 2014, taking on newcomers and elite opposition. “The Young Punisher” picked up big wins over the likes of former champion Cody Garbrandt, Rob Font, Jimmie Rivera, and Chris Gutierrez, among others. He’s also shared the octagon with multiple former champions, including Sean O’Malley<\/a>, Dominick Cruz, Jose Aldo, Frankie Edgar and Aljamain Sterling.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Munhoz has recently hit a rough patch of results, as he’s currently on a three-fight skid, with his last outing coming in November 2024. Now at .500 in the UFC, the 39-year-old says he has asked the promotion for his release so that he may continue his career elsewhere.<\/p>\n “Since 2014, I\u2019ve been part of the UFC, building my name, proving myself, and showing what I\u2019m capable of inside that octagon,” Munhoz wrote on Instagram<\/a>. “After 32 fights, I can proudly say I\u2019ve never been submitted or knocked out. I\u2019ve always stepped in there with heart, discipline, and respect for the game. There comes a point in life when you don\u2019t just stay comfortable, you take control of what\u2019s next.<\/p>\n “Right now, I feel it\u2019s time to take a new direction, explore different opportunities, and focus on other important areas of my life. I\u2019ve asked the UFC to release me, and I\u2019m currently in the process of becoming a free agent. I\u2019m not retiring yet. Still hungry. Still focused. Still ready to put on great fights and make statements \ud83d\udc4a”<\/p>\n This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Pedro Munhoz asks UFC for release to ‘explore different opportunities’<\/a><\/p>\n