Andre Muniz and Antonio Arroyo
Division: Middleweight
Result: Andre Muniz def. Antonio Arroyo via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Record: Andre Muniz (19-4 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
Grade: B-
Record: Antonio Arroyo (9-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Grade: D+
A pair of Brazilian fighters who made their way to the UFC through Dana White’s Contender Series, there was some excitement about this fight, especially with the two competing in their native country. Unfortunately for all involved, the contest just didn’t really pan out as hoped.
[autotag]Andre Muniz[/autotag] is a gifted grappler, and that was on full display throughout the affair. Unfortunately, long gone are the days when laying on your back and beckoning an opponent to jump in your guard is considered an acceptable approach. Meanwhile, [autotag]Antonio Arroyo[/autotag] is an incredibly powerful striker, but he didn’t get much of a chance to show it – and even more concerning, he played an active role in that shortcoming by refusing to back away when Muniz was prone.
Perhaps it was the clash of styles that caused such a weird flow between the two, but neither fighter truly shined. Muniz did show decent striking in the moments he was willing to engage on the feet, but he can hardly be blamed for not wanting to stand in the face of his opponent’s thunderous kicks. For that reason, he gets credit for fighting a smart fight.
Arroyo doesn’t get that same pass. He executed poorly in his debut, but his decision making was perhaps more questionable than his physical approach. Raw power isn’t enough at the highest level, and he’ll need to show more next time out.
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