When it recently came to light that the UFC signed former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) champion Phil “CM Punk” Brooks to a multifight deal, the news sent shock waves throughout the world of mixed martial arts. The signing came as a shock to many UFC fighters and fans alike, mainly due to Brook’s lack of MMA experience. The sports world immediately responded:
Seriously though this isn’t pro wrestling, this is fighting, this is mixed martial arts. I understand the CM Punk thing, but it’s a joke.
— Adam Martin (@MMAdamMartin) December 8, 2014
I had a crazy dream last night that the UFC signed CM Punk.
— Las Vegas Fight Shop (@LVFightShop) December 7, 2014
UFC signing CM Punk, 37 yo, NO MMA experience & interesting head & mTBI history may be great marketing but health & safety… Not so much
— Dr. Johnny Benjamin (@DrJCBenjamin) December 7, 2014
Many appeared confused by the signing of Brooks, which mainly stems from the UFC’s recruitment of a scripted sports entertainer, who, at 36, boasts a professional MMA record of 0-0. Regardless of the immediate money and fans Brooks will generate, his signing weakens the UFC’s quest for legitimacy in the long run, as it strives to position itself as a mainstream brand.