CM Punk Gives Honest Assessment Of UFC Run

CM Punk has delivered an honest assessment of why his UFC dreams didn’t work out.

Disillusioned with life as a WWE Superstar, CM Punk decided he was done with the company in 2014, sensationally walking out following the Royal Rumble. His explosive departure led to lawsuits and created bad feelings between the two sides that lingered for years.

With his wrestling career seemingly behind him, Punk embarked on a new journey with UFC. The star made his debut for the promotion at UFC 203 on September 10, 2016, but was quickly defeated by Mickey Gall via submission in the first round.

Following the loss, Punk fought again in 2018 against Mike Jackson but was defeated via unanimous decision. The result was overturned, and the fight was declared a no-contest after Jackson tested positive for marijuana.

CM Punk Makes Admission About UFC Stint

In a new interview with Chef Donny, Punk reflected on his UFC run, describing it as a “bucket list thing.” He went on to explain that when the opportunity came his way, as a huge MMA fan, he was determined to try and see what he could achieve.

However, he admitted that by the time he started training, he was already too old, but regardless, he worked as hard as he could.

“I mean, big learning curve, it’s just something I wanted to do because I love MMA so much. I got offered an opportunity and I said yes. That’s kind of how I live my life.

I wish I started sooner. That’s the only thing, I started so late, I was already old. It was just kind of like a bucket list thing, but it doesn’t mean I didn’t take it seriously.

“I trained my ass off, got in shape, did what I could, but yeah, I started way too late, it’s a young man’s game.”

CM Punk ultimately returned to pro wrestling in August 2021 with AEW, but his stint with the promotion was marred by backstage conflict and controversy. The star was eventually fired in September 2023 after one altercation too many.

That November, Punk re-signed with WWE and is the current World Heavyweight Champion.

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H/t to Wrestle Talk