Former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) superstar CM Punk is all set to make his highly-anticipated mixed-martial arts (MMA) debut, when he steps into the Octagon against young welterweight prospect Mickey Gall at UFC 203 in Cleveland.
Gall (2-0) earned his shot at Punk following his first round submission victory over Mike Jackson, via rear-naked choke at UFC Fight Night 82 back in February.
Now Gall and Punk are slated to go toe-to-toe at the Quicken Loans Arena in Ohio, which the 24-year-old Gall told FOX Sports he is taking ‘very seriously’:
“I’ve been training. I’ve been getting bigger and stronger to not only prepare for this fight, but also for down the line. It’s just given me more time to train and keep getting better.
Would I liked to have fought before now? Sure. But I’m doing the right things and getting better everyday,” Gall said.
“I’m going to prepare as if they say he’s “the best in the world”. I’m going to prepare like he’s the baddest dude around,” Gall said.
“I don’t really think I need to see tape. I’m going to force my game. I’m taking him very seriously.
While many MMA fans across the world may be a little upset with the former WWE star’s sudden thrust into the big leagues of the sport, Gall isn’t willing to look past Punk regardless of how unexperienced he may be:
“A lot of people are treating him like a joke but I’m going to look like a real (expletive) if I go out there thinking he’s a joke and get myself beat. I won’t let that happen.
He’s made his money, done his thing. This is how I’m going to make mine and set my path,” Gall said. “It’s a great opportunity but it’s a high risk, high reward.
If I do something stupid and lose, I look like an (expletive), I look stupid. I’d be getting the jokes that he’s getting and I’m not going to let that happen.
I’m not training like this is going to be an easy win. I’m training like I’m facing the champion.”
Gall is confident he’ll leave Ohio win yet another win on his young and undefeated career, but believes Punk will also fight again following their encounter in September:
“I think there’s still some money to be made off him,” Gall said. “I think he’ll probably fight again. I’m going to beat him and then he’ll try to get some retribution to get a win or something.”
UFC 203 takes place live on pay-per-view (PPV), from the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio on September 10, 2016.
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