CM Punk Touts Kazushi Sakuraba As His MMA GOAT

Phil Brooks, Kazushi SakurabaFormer UFC fighter Phil Brooks, otherwise known as CM Punk, thinks that Japanese MMA legend Kazushi Sakuraba is the greatest. After a brief tenure with the UFC, Brooks has remained active in professional wrestling and is currently signed with rising promotion All Elite Wrestling. He’s also a commentator for MMA promotion Cage Fury and remains […]

Phil Brooks, Kazushi Sakuraba

Former UFC fighter Phil Brooks, otherwise known as CM Punk, thinks that Japanese MMA legend Kazushi Sakuraba is the greatest.

After a brief tenure with the UFC, Brooks has remained active in professional wrestling and is currently signed with rising promotion All Elite Wrestling. He’s also a commentator for MMA promotion Cage Fury and remains a vocal fan of the sport.

When asked about who the greatest MMA fighter is, Brooke went with an unconventional pick. While some name fighters such as Jon Jones and Georges St-Pierre in the conversation, Brooks named a Japanese superstar in his top spot.

During a recent interview with MMA journalist Helen Yee, Brooks named Sakuraba as the MMA GOAT in his mind.

CM Punk Explains Kazushi Sakuraba GOAT Pick

“I’ve got a soft spot in my heart for Sakuraba,” Brooks said. “Probably a lot of people wouldn’t pick Sakuraba. But I’m a pro wrestler at heart and I know Saku is, too. So he’s one of those guys that kind of captures everything I love about mixed martial arts. Perennial underdog, ugly ears. What’s not to love?”

Sakuraba became the first Japanese champion in UFC history by defeating Marcus Silveira back in 1997. He went on to one of the most decorated careers in MMA history, with 26 wins over the likes of Kevin Randleman and Rampage Jackson.

In 2017, Sakuraba was named to the UFC Hall of Fame’s pioneer wing for his accomplishments inside the cage. He also became the first man to defeat Royce Gracie in MMA history, at a time when Gracie was seen as an unstoppable force in the sport.

Brooks’ pick is sure to cause quite the debate amongst MMA fans, but, unquestionably, Sakuraba is one of the most influential presences in the sport’s history.

Where do you think Kazushi Sakuraba ranks amongst the MMA GOATs?

CM Punk Backs The Paul Brothers: ‘I Did It And I Know What It Takes’

CM PunkCM Punk seems to support the Paul Brothers stepping into the world of combat sports. The YouTube sensations have crossed over into boxing over the last few years and have enjoyed great financial success during their short time in the sport. Logan Paul took part in a mega-money exhibition boxing match against Floyd Mayweather earlier […]

CM Punk

CM Punk seems to support the Paul Brothers stepping into the world of combat sports.

The YouTube sensations have crossed over into boxing over the last few years and have enjoyed great financial success during their short time in the sport.

Logan Paul took part in a mega-money exhibition boxing match against Floyd Mayweather earlier this year. The 26-year-old managed to go eight full rounds with arguably the best boxer of all time but didn’t seem to have any real ability.

Jake Paul has taken a different path. ‘The Problem Child’ is 5-0 as a professional boxer but is yet to face an actual boxer. Paul has picked up wins over a fellow internet celebrity, a basketball player, and two past their prime MMA fighters.

CM Punk Says If It Makes Money, You’re Doing Nothing Wrong

The two brothers’ have not exactly been welcomed into the boxing fraternity and many fans have called them out for tarnishing the sport with their cash grab fights.

CM Punk was once in a similar position to Logan and Jake, having twice tried his luck in the UFC. Phil Brooks made his name in the WWE but wanted to actually compete in a real fight. Punk was dominated by Mickey Gall and Mike Jackson before calling it quits and heading back to his old gig.

The AEW star seems to be a fan of what the Paul Brothers are doing.

“I think everything’s entertainment. I think some people conflate being a fighter with being an entertainer, but when it makes dollars, it makes sense,” CM Punk recently told ESPN. “And what the Paul brothers are doing, I think for the lack of a better term, it’s old school pro wrestling, right?

“This is stuff — you could say they’re crossing over, but there’s so many similarities between the two businesses. They command attention. People want to see them get knocked out, they know this, but they’re putting themselves out there. They’re putting themselves on the line. I’ll never criticize in a negative way or fashion anybody who makes the walk, anybody who trains their ass off. Because I did it and I know what it takes. And you put yourself out there, you put yourself on the line.

“A lot of the times — a lot of the sacrifice goes unnoticed. But it’s what it is. When [Floyd] Mayweather crossed over and did a match at WrestleMania, I’m sure we’re eventually going to see [Conor] McGregor come over… [Ronda] Rousey was excellent when she came over. The bottom line is making money. If you’re making money, you’re technically not really doing anything wrong.” (Transcribed by Cageside Seats)

Do you agree with CM Punk on the Paul Brothers?

Roman Reigns Dismisses CM Punk After Watching Him Get ‘Whooped In The UFC’

Roman ReignsRoman Reigns has taken a shot at CM Punk who he claims got “whooped in the UFC”. The former WWE champion, who currently competes under the AEW banner, stepped into the Octagon on two occasions. Punk was quickly tapped out in his first fight but showed heart in his second bout to survive all three […]

Roman Reigns

Roman Reigns has taken a shot at CM Punk who he claims got “whooped in the UFC”.

The former WWE champion, who currently competes under the AEW banner, stepped into the Octagon on two occasions. Punk was quickly tapped out in his first fight but showed heart in his second bout to survive all three rounds with Mike Jackson. ‘The Truth’ originally picked up a unanimous decision win but it was later overturned to a no-contest due to a positive test for marijuana.

During a recent interview with Complex, Reigns was asked if he would be open to sharing the ring with CM Punk.

“So I answered a question similar to this a while ago, and it falls back to what our audience wants to see,” Reigns replied. “If our audience wanted to see it and they were clamoring for it, couldn’t shut up about it, and all the stars aligned, as a businessman and as a performer who was trying to seek out the very best for the audience and try to captivate, I wouldn’t say no. But I mean, on a personal level, it doesn’t do anything for me. That’s not going to elevate me at all. He’s older now. I haven’t really seen a full match. I’ve seen a clip or two. And to me, a step or two has been lost. Then also he got his whooped in the UFC. I don’t think anybody really believes someone 200 pounds soaking wet with no explosive bone in their body could ever really do anything to me. I’m 6’3”, 265 pounds, a legitimate athlete who can throw some weight around and has been on the gridiron at the highest level. D1. All ACC. I probably would’ve maintained in the NFL if my health issues didn’t happen when I was 22 years old. So, I mean, when it comes down to it, I’ll throw him and pretty much the rest of that roster out the club no problem. They’re just little brothers, you know?”

Do you want to see Roman Reigns take on CM Punk?

Randy Couture: CM Punk Shouldn’t Have Jumped In At The Highest Level

Former UFC Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture has given his take on why CM Punk’s transition to mixed martial arts failed. After achieving stardom in professional wrestling under the WWE banner, Punk announced that he’…

Former UFC Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture has given his take on why CM Punk’s transition to mixed martial arts failed. After achieving stardom in professional wrestling under the WWE banner, Punk announced that he’d signed a multi-fight contract with the UFC in December 2014 following his release from the Vince McMahon-led company […]

Continue Reading Randy Couture: CM Punk Shouldn’t Have Jumped In At The Highest Level at MMA News.

Following AEW Debut, CM Punk Has Retired From Pro MMA Competition

CM Punk is no longer an active MMA competitor. MMAFighting.com reports that UFC officials have confirmed Punk’s MMA retirement. Punk signed with the UFC back in late 2014. He didn’t have his first fight until Sept. 2016. Punk was submitted …

CM Punk is no longer an active MMA competitor. MMAFighting.com reports that UFC officials have confirmed Punk’s MMA retirement. Punk signed with the UFC back in late 2014. He didn’t have his first fight until Sept. 2016. Punk was submitted by Mickey Gall in the first round. He then took on Mike Jackson in June […]

Continue Reading Following AEW Debut, CM Punk Has Retired From Pro MMA Competition at MMA News.

Overeem: Why Did Nobody Warn CM Punk What He Was Getting Into?

Alistair Overeem is questioning why CM Punk wasn’t told of the dangers of MMA competition before he tried his hand. Punk is known for his run as a performer in the world of professional wrestling. After leaving WWE back in early 2014, Punk decide…

Alistair Overeem is questioning why CM Punk wasn’t told of the dangers of MMA competition before he tried his hand. Punk is known for his run as a performer in the world of professional wrestling. After leaving WWE back in early 2014, Punk decided to join the UFC. While there are some elements that MMA […]

Continue Reading Overeem: Why Did Nobody Warn CM Punk What He Was Getting Into? at MMA News.