CM Punk, it seems, is finally coming to an Octagon near you.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) president Dana White stopped by the “Toucher and Rich” show to talk all things mixed martial arts (MMA), and revealed that Punk — real name Phil Brooks — could be gearing up for his Octagon debut this summer.
“The CM Punk fight is probably going to be in June. UFC 199 is what I’m thinking,” said White via Wrestle Zone.
Punk’s signing to the world’s largest MMA organization on the planet was met with much criticism. Still, White doesn’t regret the move.
But, the brash head honcho knows that unlike Brock Lesnar — another WWE star turned MMA fighter — CM will have it very tough inside the eight-walled cage due to his lack of pedigree in the actual wrestling arena and MMA cage.
“You know [CM Punk] has never fought, he’s just started training and, you know… this is a tough business to get into. When Brock Lesnar came into the UFC, you know, he had a serious wrestling pedigree,” declared white. “And not just WWE wrestling, legit collegiate wrestling. CM Punk doesn’t have any of that. It’s going to be tough for him.”
Aside from a potential debut date, CM may also find out who will be squaring off against.
That’s because White also revealed a few days ago that UFC newcomer Micky Gall will be Punk’s first opponent should he prove victorious in his own debut at UFC 196 on Feb. 6, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The pieces seem to be coming together, and it seems the the former WWE mega star could finally get his chance to silence all his doubters, and prove his worth of an 85-percent rating on EA Sports UFC 2, as well.
Barring any hiccups, of course.