Report: Mark Munoz Placed on Leave After Letting Students Box to Settle Dispute

Former UFC talent Mark Munoz was reportedly placed on administrative leave as wrestling coach at Fairmont Private Schools in Southern California after he allegedly allowed two students to box to settle a dispute.

According to the TMZ Sports report, two students who were arguing on the playground went to Munoz to ask if they could put on boxing gloves to resolve their differences. The report states that Munoz allowed it, believing that “the impromptu boxing match was more jovial than violent.” Munoz was also reportedly not aware of the argument.

However, one of the student’s parents was “outraged” about the boxing match and went to school administration to complain, and as a result, Munoz was placed on leave. The 44-year-old had accepted the position as wrestling coach in September 2020. A school spokesperson wouldn’t reveal specifics of the incident to TMZ, but did confirm that Munoz’s contract will not be renewed.

"[He] will not be returning to campus," the spokesperson said.

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Meanwhile, Munoz issued a statement regarding the incident to MMAjunkie.com.

“With every ounce of who I am, I desire to be a positive influence on kids, to teach kids to be the very best wrestlers, to speak loudly against bullying, and to honor my Lord Jesus Christ,” Munoz wrote. “There are thousands of wrestlers who I have coached that would affirm those truths from first-hand experience. Under no circumstance would I encourage kids to settle a dispute through fighting.”

A former national champion wrestler at Oklahoma State University, Munoz went 9-6 in the UFC from 2007 to 2015. He retired after besting Luke Barnatt at UFC Fight Night 66 in the Philippines. He also earned notable wins over the likes of Demian Maia, Kendall Grove, C.B. Dollaway and Chris Leben during his promotional tenure.