Defeating Cody Garbrandt was one of the high points of Pedro
Munhoz’s UFC career. | Getty/UFC
Pedro
Munhoz is ready to move on to the next phase of his career.
The 39-year-old
UFC bantamweight veteran revealed via Instagram that he has
requested his release from the Las Vegas-based promotion. “The
Young Punisher” hasn’t competed since November 2024, when he
dropped a unanimous verdict to Aiemann
Zahabi at UFC Fight Night 246.
A New Direction
“Since 2014, I’ve been part of the UFC, building my name, proving
myself, and showing what I’m capable of inside that octagon. After
32 fights, I can proudly say I’ve never been submitted or knocked
out. I’ve always stepped in there with heart, discipline, and
respect for the game,” Munhoz wrote.
“There comes a point in life when you don’t just stay comfortable,
you take control of what’s next. Right now, I feel it’s time to
take a new direction, explore different opportunities, and focus on
other important areas of my life. I’ve asked the UFC to release me,
and I’m currently in the process of becoming a free agent.
“I’m not retiring yet. Still hungry. Still focused. Still ready to
put on great fights and make statements.”
A former Resurrection Fighting Alliance champion, Munhoz went 10-10
with two no contests during his UFC tenure. The American Top Team
product earned noteworthy wins over the likes of Rob Font, Cody
Garbradnt, Jimmie
Rivera and Chris
Gutierrez during his time with the organization.