Jason David Frank, otherwise known as Tommy Oliver from the television show Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, has officially tossed his name into the CM Punk sweepstakes.
The MMA world was left stunned Saturday night when it was revealed that Punk, real name Phillip Brooks, would be trading in tights and stage boots for cauliflower ears and a pair of four-ounce gloves.
When speaking with commentator Joe Rogan at UFC 181, the former WWE champ confirmed that he had signed a contract to compete in the UFC.
“I’d say my professional wrestling days are over. I’m sure I’m going to have to do plenty of wrestling [in the cage],” said Punk.
Since the announcement, multiple UFC fighters, including middleweight contender Michael Bisping, have taken to Twitter to call out the former professional wrestler.
When teasing Punk’s arrival Friday, UFC President Dana White explained on The Jim Rome Show that things would play out much differently for Punk in comparison to Brock Lesnar’s journey from WWE to UFC.
There weren’t any warm-up bouts for Lesnar, whose UFC debut came against former heavyweight champ Frank Mir. Unlike Punk, Lesnar had already competed once before entering the UFC. He also had a world-class wrestling background and an NCAA Division I heavyweight title to lean on.
If Punk is to fight someone with similar experience, Frank could make for an intriguing option.
The former actor, now an MMA fighter, boasts an unblemished professional record of 1-0 and a 4-0 amateur record. All of his wins have come by first-round finishes.
After hearing of Punk’s signing, Frank sent out a post on Instagram asking fans to help get the word out to White and the UFC regarding a possible fight between the former WWE champ and the Green Ranger.
Some will likely denounce this fight due to its gimmicky nature, but it couldn’t be any worse than Punk fighting a complete random with a 0-0 record off the streets.
If anything, Frank at least gives the UFC a familiar face to work with.
Jordy McElroy is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMA writer for Rocktagon.
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