Mark Munoz is retiring to support bigger dreams than his own

Mark Munoz fights for the last time on Saturday. The former Div I national champion has sold his Reign Training Center, and after fighting Luke Barnatt is walking away from MMA at 37, after a career that began in 2007.

“I wanted to have that 12-pound gold strap around my waist,” said Munoz to Kevin Iole for Yahoo Sports. “I wanted that so badly, I really did. I am disappointed I didn’t reach the pinnacle, but at the same time, there are more important priorities in life than one’s self-ambition.”

Munoz, one of the nicest, most positive figures in mixed martial arts, is not so much walking away from title dreams as he is walking towards his children Alexa (15), Trey (13). Erynn (10) and Elyse (7).

Mark’s son Trey came to him and said he wanted to stop playing soccer and baseball, and focus on wrestling, with an eye towards securing a Div I scholarship.

“I said, ‘Out of the thousands of kids, probably the tens of thousands of kids, what makes you think you’re going to get a full-ride scholarship?'” asked Munoz of his son. “And he looked me in the eye and he said, ‘Dad, I have you.’ Oh my gosh. I can’t tell you what that meant to me to hear that.

“And that right there was a catalyst in my decision. I’ve always wanted the best of everything for my kids, but hearing that, it made me realize I needed to be right there with them to help them accomplish their dreams and their goals. This was a dream bigger than mine. I had to do my role to help my family reach their dreams and goals.”

“From the time [Alexa] was born, she’s always seen me and known me as a competitor. I missed a lot of special moments in her life and I don’t want to make the same mistake with my three other kids.”

Mark Munoz fights Luke Barnatt on the main card of UFC Fight Night 66 on May 16, 2015 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Philippines. The main card will air on FOX Sports 1 on 10 a.m. ET Saturday.