CM Punk set to make UFC debut against Mickey Gall at UFC 203
Former WWE superstar will make his long-awaited UFC debut against Mickey Gall in Cleveland, Ohio
THE wait is finally over. CM Punk will fight in the UFC for the very first time on Saturday September 10 at UFC 203.
Punk, real name Phil Brooks, announced back at UFC 181 that he will fight in the UFC.
And on the second episode of the UFC's new Unfiltered podcast he confirmed he'll take on New Jersey native Mickey Gall in a welterweight bout in Cleveland in his first competitive test as a mixed martial artist.
[youtube //www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCViiT9-7DY&w=620&h=349]
His addition to the UFC roster polarised opinion among fight fans and athletes alike, with the former WWE superstar's pulling power at the box office and intrigue among fans of pro wrestling a guaranteed ticket seller.
But with no competitive combat experience or collegiate wrestling background, Punk's signing to the biggest promotion in mixed martial arts was frowned upon by many, who believed he should have cut his teeth in a smaller promotion to gain valuable experience before jumping into the big leagues.
Speaking to SunSport earlier this year, Punk explained that he understood the criticism, but it won't affect him as he works towards his Octagon debut.
“I understand the criticism levied at me, especially from anybody who’s stepped into the cage," he said.
“But life gives you opportunities and you either sit on your ass and watch them whizz by you, or you jump on them.
“I jumped on this opportunity, I’m not sorry about it and I’m not living my life for any fans or any fighters that want to see me fail. I’m living life for me.”
Now, he's now officially part of the UFC, and he'll make his debut against Gall, an undefeated welterweight prospect who made a splash on his UFC debut, submitting Mike Jackson in just 45 seconds.
Punk confirmed to SunSport he'd signed an eight-fight deal with the UFC, and said he fully intends to see out that deal.
“I can’t honestly answer how many (fights) I’m gonna have – we’ll wait and see how the first one goes. But there’s gonna be eight, at least.”
His signing led to the UFC embarking on a search to find a suitable - and viable - opponent for the former wrestling star.
[youtube //www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHbfbZfW24k&w=620&h=349]
And Gall made it easy for them, scoring an impressive win on his pro debut in front of a watching Dana White and Matt Serra, before taking the microphone and asking to be the man to face Punk.
The manner in which Gall earned his spot resonated with Punk, who knows all
about making ‘mic time’ count from his days in the squared circle.
“Absolutely. It’s not like all the other guys talking behind a computer,” he
explained.
“He recognised his audience, he knew he had Dana’s ear – he was front row and
centre for his first fight – and he called me out.
“I wouldn’t say it was calculated. It was right place, right time and he did
what he had to do. He didn’t let that opportunity slip through his fingers.”
And Gall told SunSport that, while he respects Punk for making the move from pro wrestling to MMA, he's in for a rude awakening when the pair meet in the Octagon.
“I think it’s a ballsy move,” he admitted.
“I respect him, he’s made himself a superstar in professional wrestling. He’s
obviously a special guy.
“But I think he’s coming into MMA and against any MMA fighter he’s gonna be in
trouble – but especially in trouble with me.”
