UFC fighter Mark Muñoz (center) poses for a photo with Balls Channel Head Jojo Neri-Estacio (left) and ABS-CBN CPPMG Head March Ventosa during the Fil-American's visit to ABS-CBN on Monday morning. Photo by David Abrenilla

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino-American Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter Mark Muñoz is in town for a short visit to check out the local mixed martial arts (MMA) scene and to visit his parents' hometowns.

On Monday, Muñoz dropped by ABS-CBN and Balls, the exclusive channel for the UFC.

In a brief chat with ABS-CBN News, UFC middleweight star shared his love for wrestling more than anything.

Muñoz said he started getting engaged in sports early as he played football and basketball. But after an unfortunate incident where he got beaten up by bigger kids, he realized that he needed to learn some kind of self defense. It was then that a friend introduced him to wrestling.

He admitted he didn't like the sport at first but his father motivated him to see it through. From there, Muñoz began excelling in the sport, winning wrestling championships in high school and college.

He eventually took it to the next level after meeting the top guys in the MMA scene, who influenced him to seriously consider the sport.

Elbow injury

Since then Muñoz has gone 12-2 in an impressive run in the UFC and was very close to a title shot.

Unfortunately, he incurred an elbow injury that forced him to pull out of a main event fight against Chael Sonnen for the top middleweight contender spot. 

While recovering from the subsequent surgery to his elbow, Muñoz now has the chance to explore his Filipino roots. His mother grew up in Sta. Ana, Manila while his father, a serviceman in the US Navy, hails from Pasay City.

Muñoz's UFC comeback is tentatively set in July. When he returns to the United States on Wednesday, he'll resume therapy on his surgically repaired elbow.

Big brother Vera

Muñoz shared that he loves teaching and coaching kids for free. He also plans to bring his annual free wrestling clinics to the Philippines soon.

He credits much of his success and rise in the UFC to his big brother, Brandon Vera, the half-Filipino UFC sensation who has had his own share of ups and downs. Muñoz said he is confident that Vera will bounce back in the league soon.

Muñoz said was very happy to see a local MMA event and he sees the energy and interest in MMA very encouraging.

He said he sees great potential in Filipinos who, he believes, are natural strikers as Filipinos are clearly very good in boxing and other striking-related martial arts.

And with the addition of skills in wrestling, which he hope to push, Muñoz said Filipinos can even excel in MMA as well.