UFC champ Muñoz suspends Manila visit

BALLS Channel postponed Thursday the series of events in the metropolis this week for the coming of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter Mark Muñoz due to bad weather.

In a statement released by Balls channel head Jojo Neri-Estacio, he said the UFC champion is well-versed on the current situation in Manila and is looking forward to re-scheduling the events.

"Mark is closely monitoring the situation in Manila and understands what needs to be done to help those that have been affected by the flood. Mark looks forward to meeting his Filipino fans in the near future," Neri-Estacio said.

Dubbed as "the Filipino wrecking machine," Munoz was slated to visit the capital this weekend for a media tour and series of mixed martial arts workshops.

Due to the erratic weather, the channel decided to move it to a later date.

On his official website, Muñoz wished everyone well and believes Filipinos will overcome this latest calamity to hit the country.

"In the last two days, Manila has been hit by heavy rains that caused major flooding in the metro areas."

"I am sad that the UFC Manila Tour and the Balls Channel Meet and Greet on August 12th at MOA (Mall of Asia) has been postponed, but I am more worried about our fellow Pinoys -- mga bata, lolos and lolas -- in the flood waters," he said.

"I know Filipinos are a resilient people. We will come out of this a stronger people. We always do," he added.

The fighting champ also set-up a Paypal account to take donations for the affected families of the rains and floods.

"As we hope for the rains and the flood water to settle, I will be figuring out how to deliver what we raise to our Kapamilya sa Pilipinas. I will be posting the donation blog soon. I hope you will join me to help. Tulungan ang aming Kapamilya," he said.

Muños, an American citizen, was born to Filipino parents at a US Naval Base in Yokosuka, Japan. He is now based in Lake Forest, California. (Sunnex)