2012 World MMA Bantamweight Scouting Report: #10

Bloody Elbow 2.0 | Anton Tabuena


Name:	Pedro Munoz
Nickname:	The Young Punisher
Age:	25
Height:	5′ 8″
Location:	Redondo Beach, California

This is a guest post written by Rory MacLeod (smoogy)

It could be said that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the signature art in mixed martial arts. For Brazilian fighters, it’s not just a part of their identity, it’s a gateway to the rest of the world and a promise of prosperity. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors with national credentials are typically the most highly sought after in North America. Well-regarded black belt Pedro Munhoz (6-0) is among the latest in a long line of such fine exports from Brazil.

Originally training with Sao Paulo’s Gibi Thay and Barbosa Jiu Jitsu, Munhoz is now based out of Redondo Beach, California’s Arriva-Machado MMA Academy under head instructor Ricardo Arrivabene. As a no-gi specialist with extensive tournament experience, Munhoz naturally excels at top control, submissions and ground defense, but he also compliments his grappling base with high hands, good takedown defense and a sound double forearm guard. Since his standup offense is still a work in progress, he uses his sharp defense to anticipate and deflect attacks, then counter with takedowns. Pedro has mostly relied on this strategy to wear his opponents down for submissions in later rounds.

Now 3-0 in fights on American soil, Pedro Munhoz has carved out a niche on the California circuit as the reigning Respect in the Cage bantamweight champion. He was slated to fight The Ultimate Fighter 14’s Johnny Bedford (18-9-1) in May, but the fight was scratched upon Bedford being confirmed as part of the reality competition’s cast.

With a strong support group including Arrivabene wrestling coach Kenny Johnson and Strikeforce veteran Eduardo Pamplona (15-3), Munhoz is in good hands. A steady climb up the ladder on the West Coast circuit would be ideal before seeking a major contract opportunity. In the meantime, Pedro should continue to take advantage of the many elite pro gyms in close proximity that he can visit to sharpen his skill-set; he’s already sparred with some of the UFC’s best at the Black House facility in Los Angeles. With his regular gig as a no-gi instructor at just 25, Munhoz has the means and the time to develop from a good grappler to a great mixed martial artist.

Video footage of Pedro Munhoz in action after the jump…

Flyweight	Bantamweight	Featherweight	Lightweight
#1 – #2 – #3 – #4 – #5 – #6 – #7 – #8 – #9 – #10 –	#1 – #2 – #3 – #4 – #5 – #6 – #7 – #8 – #9 – #10 – Pedro Munhoz	#1 – #2 – #3 – #4 – #5 – #6 – #7 – #8 – #9 – #10 –	#1 – #2 – #3 – #4 – #5 – #6 – #7 – #8 – #9 – #10 –

Welterweight	Middleweight	Light Heavyweight	Heavyweight
#1 – #2 – #3 – #4 – #5 – #6 – #7 – #8 – #9 – #10 –	#1 – #2 – #3 – #4 – #5 – #6 – #7 – #8 – #9 – #10 –	#1 – #2 – #3 – #4 – #5 – #6 – #7 – #8 – #9 – #10 –	#1 – #2 – #3 – #4 – #5 – #6 – #7 – #8 – #9 – #10 –