CM Punk’s brief UFC career, marked by losses and controversy, highlighted the challenges of transitioning from professional wrestling to MMA, while UFC legend Matt Brown criticized the decision to let him compete based on fame rather than skill.
CM Punk finally lived his dream last Saturday by headlining WrestleMania 41. Yet, not too long ago, he was chasing another fantasy—signing with the UFC.
After a public fallout with WWE, Punk ventured into mixed martial arts. His UFC stint, however, was brief and met with backlash. He lost both fights, including a debut defeat to Mickey Gall in under two minutes.
Nowadays, Punk’s passion for wrestling has reignited. UFC legend Matt Brown still finds it astonishing that Punk got a chance in the UFC based solely on his fandom.
Brown shared his thoughts on “The Fighter vs. The Writer” podcast. He questioned the UFC’s decision, suggesting it wasn’t the PR move they hoped for. “Maybe I’m wrong,” he mused, “but it did more for Mickey Gall.”
Gall, an experienced martial artist, earned his fight against Punk by defeating Mike Jackson. At UFC 203 in Cleveland, Gall, then 2-0, faced the wrestling superstar.
Brown recalled a chat with Gall about the pressure of fighting Punk. “You can’t lose to CM Punk,” he said. “Imagine that pressure in your second UFC fight.”
Despite the nerves, Gall triumphed, submitting Punk in the first round. Eight years later, he’s still competing in the UFC.
Punk, on the other hand, never regretted his UFC attempt. Even after his second fight ended in a no-contest, he took his shot.
Dana White, however, has since closed the door on similar weekend warriors entering the octagon. Logan Paul, a WWE star and part-time boxer, even reached out but got no response.
Brown believes Punk’s experience taught the UFC a lesson. “They tried it once and learned,” he said. “Mickey got the best end of that stick.”
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