Pedro Munhoz asks for UFC release after 20-fight, 12-year run

Pedro Munhoz is ready to move on from the UFC.

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, Dominick Cruz, Jose Aldo, Frankie Edgar and Aljamain Sterling.

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.

"Since 2014, I’ve been part of the UFC, building my name, proving myself, and showing what I’m capable of inside that octagon," Munhoz wrote on Instagram. "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. 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 👊"

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Pedro Munhoz asks UFC for release to 'explore different opportunities'