Alexander Munoz has quit the UFC and MMA indefinitely.

The American lightweight fighter cited numerous severe injuries as the reason why he can no longer compete.

Munoz suffered multiple knee injuries over his MMA careerGetty

Munoz, 34, made his UFC debut in 2020, losing to Afghan fighter Nasrat Haqparast via unanimous decision.

The Texas native had emerged from season two of Dana White’s Contender Series but failed to earn a contract after beating Nick Newell over three rounds.

He then went to fight for another promotion in Trinity Sport Combat where he won his only fight.

However, after making his debut in the UFC, Munoz would lose again on the Robert Whittaker vs Kelvin Gastelum Fight Night undercard in 2021 to Luis Pena.

Two years later, however, Munoz was able to turn around his fortunes and defeat Carl Deaton with a unanimous decision at the UFC Apex in July 2023.

It was the first time he had won an MMA bout since October 2019 and his first appearance in the octagon for more than two years.

Munoz confirmed on Instagram this week that he tore 75 per cent of his lat in the buildup to the fight and also suffered a right elbow tear just two weeks before he was meant to be in the octagon.

“I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to you, Dana, and the entire UFC organisation for the incredible opportunities you have given me over the years,” Munoz said in a social media statement, addressing UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby and White.

He continued to say that it had been an ‘honour’ and ‘dream come true’ for him to fight in the UFC.

Munoz added: “In the past six years, I have endured multiple injuries that have tested me both mentally and physically.

Munoz during his fight with Pena that he went on to lose

“These included but certainly weren’t limited to, two full knee reconstructions on my left knee, a torn PCL in my right knee,” he confirmed, while stating the injuries he sustained before his bout with Deaton.

Munoz also said that his injuries limited him to only throwing punches with his left hand, making it all the more impressive the fact he endured all three rounds and still won.

He finished: “I’ve been reluctant to share the extent of these injuries out of concern that they could be targeted in future fights, but after much reflection, I have decided that it’s time to focus on preserving what’s left of my body for the future.

“I want to give the next guy his chance while I still have the ability to enjoy a healthy future with my family. Thank you again for everything – for your support, your belief in me, and for giving me every opportunity to succeed.”

White’s promotion returns this weekend for UFC 307, which sees Alex Pereira defend his light heavyweight title against Khalil Rountree Jr.

Jose Aldo faces Mario Bautista in a ranked bantamweight bout, while Julianna Pena attempts to reclaim the women’s bantamweight title from Raquel Pennington.