One of the biggest questions regarding the MMA career of Phil Brooks, better known by his ring name of CM Punk, was what gym he would join ahead of his UFC debut. Well, we have the answer.
According to UFC President Dana White (as reported by Marc Raimondi of MMAFighting.com), Punk will train at Milwaukee’s Roufusport gym. The news was first teased by FrontRowBrian of the FRB Show.
Where Punk would train was one of the biggest questions surrounding his sudden entry into MMA. Numerous high-profile fighters specifically reached out, including Daniel Cormier, Tyron Woodley and Robbie Lawler.
From the get-go, Roufusport was quickly pegged as one of the most likely landing spots for the former WWE Superstar and was specifically discussed by Punk shortly after the UFC announced his signing, alongside Team Curran, home of former Bellator featherweight champion Pat Curran, as well as the UFC’s Felice Herrig and WSOF’s Mike Corey.
The Milwaukee-based gym is relatively close to Punk’s hometown of Chicago and hosts a number of high-level fighters including former Bellator and current One FC welterweight champion Ben Askren and UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis.
Punk’s lack of serious combat sports training functionally makes him a blank slate when it comes to MMA. Over the last two years, he has enjoyed a Brazilian jiu-jitsu hobby under the tutelage of Rener Gracie. Training under Duke Roufus, however, will be his first serious undertaking in the realm of unscripted sport.
This marks the official beginning of his MMA journey. Still, much remains unknown, including when he will finally enter the Octagon, who he might face and how quickly he can begin putting a game together. Stick with Bleacher Report for more details as they become available.
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