Muñoz up versus dangerous rival

MANILA, Philippines - Fil-Am Mark Muñoz’s road to glory took a big turn after his foe, Michael Bisping of Great Britain, pulled out of their UFC Fight Night 30 showdown on Oct. 27 (Phl time) at the Phones 4u Arena in Manchester, England.

Instead, the fighter called the “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” will face perhaps a more dangerous fighter in Japanese-Brazilian Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida, who will make his middleweight debut after lurking over the light heavyweight division where he once reigned as champion.

UFC president Dana White made the announcement after Bisping, known as “The Count,” reportedly underwent an eye surgery for a detached retina he sustained following his win over Alan Belcher last April.

Reports also have it that Bisping is still suffering complications with the same eye, hence, the sudden withdrawal.

“Words cannot describe how sad I am having to withdraw from my fight. My sincere apologies to evry1 who bought tickets. I will be back soon,” said Bisping on his official Twitter account, @bisping yesterday.

Muñoz, 35, is coming off a unanimous decision over Tim Boetsch at UFC 162 in Las Vegas, Nevada last July 6. Another win over Machida, who suffered his fourth loss against 19 wins at the hands of Phil Davis at UFC 163 in Rio de Janerio, Brazil last Aug. 3, will further boost his stock.

Muñoz is hoping for a mega-fight either against former champion Anderson “The Spider” Silva or reigning titlist Chris Weidman, who shocked Silva to crown himself champion.