CM Punk, the former WWE champion and pro wrestling star, embarked on an unconventional journey when he stepped into the UFC octagon. With no prior MMA experience, he faced the challenge head-on, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. In a recent interview, Punk candidly reflected on his days as an MMA fighter.
In 2016, CM Punk made his octagon debut at UFC 203. His decision to transition from professional wrestling to mixed martial arts raised eyebrows. Under the tutelage of coach Duke Roufus, who had trained elite fighters like Anthony Pettis and Belal Muhammad, Punk began his arduous journey.
Punk’s UFC stint didn’t unfold as he had hoped. His first fight against Mickey Gall ended swiftly with a submission loss. The subsequent bout with Mike Jackson resulted in a lackluster unanimous decision loss, which was later overturned due to Jackson’s positive marijuana test. Despite the setbacks, Punk harbored no regrets.
CM Punk reflects on his days as an MMA fighter 🤼#UFC #WWE #MMA pic.twitter.com/iBVww9JPYI
— Sportskeeda MMA (@sportskeedaMMA) April 2, 2024
CM Punk’s Weight Cut Saga
Punk’s most memorable fight took place in his hometown of Chicago at UFC 225. But those weeks leading up to the fight were grueling. He struggled to cut weight properly, enduring what he described as the worst two weeks of his life. Yet, he persevered, making weight and stepping into the cage.
“Why did I do it?” Punk mused. “What the f*ck was I thinking?” But he answered his own question. “I’m glad I did it. Zero regrets.” His ambition drove him—ambition to test himself, to push boundaries. Critics may have laughed, but Punk stood proud. “I made the walk,” he asserted. “I’m tenacious. I’m tough.”
As if the physical challenges weren’t enough, Punk faced a defamation lawsuit filed by a WWE doctor just days before his fight with Jackson. The courtroom battle loomed over him, yet he pressed forward. Punk’s resilience extended beyond the cage.
CM Punk’s legacy isn’t defined by wins and losses. It’s etched in his fearlessness—the audacity to chase dreams, even when the odds seemed insurmountable. He summed it up succinctly: “I would be kicking myself to this day if I said no.”
So, as we reflect on CM Punk’s MMA days, let’s remember the man who dared to step into the unknown, leaving zero regrets in his wake.
SHARE
