Watch Episode 2 of The Evolution of Punk, which shows more sparring footage from CM Punk’s UFC 203 training camp.
The second episode of ‘The Evolution of Punk’ has been released, and the documentary shows more footage of CM Punk’s sparring sessions as he prepares for his first bout. Despite not having any martial arts background, the former WWE star will be making his MMA debut at UFC 203, which is almost two years since he initially signed with the promotion.
Apart from a couple of sparring sessions and basic striking tips from Duke Roufus, this episode also shows him moving to Milwaukee then (SPOILER) sustaining a shoulder injury. Reports of that injury first came out around October 2015, which initially pushed back his debut.
The training sessions shown was obviously shot several months to a year ago, but in all honesty, the former pro-wrestler didn’t really look that great here. Roufus praised his heart, and Punk was saying that was his best day, but for that point in time at least, his striking just didn’t seem to be on the caliber he needs to compete in the Octagon. As for his jiujitsu, they didn’t show much of it, but around that same timeline Roufus said he thinks Punk is a better striker than grappler, so that basically gives you a rough idea on where he was at that time.
Everything said, hopefully there’s been huge improvements and “evolutions” for him since then, because he will be facing a much younger, faster, and more experienced fighter in Mickey Gall.
Related: CM Punk: ‘Who’s to say I don’t get a title shot?’
Fans may have criticized the 37-year-old for the delays, but it could’ve been a blessing in disguise for Punk as he certainly would be much more prepared now, than if he just followed that initial 6-8 month plan he had.
Punk vs Gall will be part of UFC 203 this September. The card will be headlined by a heavyweight title bout between Stipe Miocic and Alistair Overeem.
You can watch Episode 1 of Evolution of Punk here.