Former UFC light heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort is ready to make his 205-pound return, and he wants to do it against former WWE Superstar CM Punk. Punk made his mixed martial arts (MMA) debut back in September against highly-touted welterweight prospect Mickey Gall. Gall submitted the former professional wrestling star in just two minutes via
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort is ready to make his 205-pound return, and he wants to do it against former WWE Superstar CM Punk.
Punk made his mixed martial arts (MMA) debut back in September against highly-touted welterweight prospect Mickey Gall. Gall submitted the former professional wrestling star in just two minutes via rear-naked choke, but Punk remains adamant that he wishes to continue his journey in the grueling sport.
Belfort has had a tough stretch as of late, dropping his last three fights via knockout, with his last win coming in November of 2015 when he knocked out Dan Henderson in the first round. Belfort’s most recent Octagon appearance saw him finished rather easily by both welterweight and middleweight contender Kelvin Gastelum in the first round of their match-up last week (March 11, 2017).
Recently speaking with AG Fight (translation via Bloody Elbow) Belfort revealed that he’d like to return to 205 pounds for an easier fight, as he’s been competing against some of the sport’s most elite as of late. He targeted Punk as a prime candidate for his retirement bout:
“I’m going to talk to them (UFC), but I want this fight at 205 pounds. I would love to do this fight in this class,” Belfort said.
“It would have to be an interesting fighter, but not a top fighter. I’ve been fighting good guys before: Dan Henderson, [Chris] Weidman, Dan Henderson, ‘Jacare’ [Souza], [Gegard] Mousasi and now Kelvin [Gastelum],” he continued. “These are all hard fights, so if you can book a smoother fight… What’s the name of that guy from WWE? CM Punk would be a good fight. CM Punk, let’s get it on. That would be a really good fight.”
WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross recently spoke with ABC 15 Arizona and gave his thoughts on the possibility of CM Punk returning to WWE. “I would be shocked if he came back to WWE,” Ross said. “However — and he might disagree with this — I would not be shocked if he came back […]
WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross recently spoke with ABC 15 Arizona and gave his thoughts on the possibility of CM Punk returning to WWE. “I would be shocked if he came back to WWE,” Ross said. “However — and he might disagree with this — I would not be shocked if he came back […]
At the NHL All-Star Weekend event this weekend, FOX Sports broadcast member Carrlyn Bathe caught up with one-time UFC fighter and former WWE Superstar Phil “CM Punk” Brooks, who offered the latest update regarding a potential return to the Octagon. After discussing some hockey-related topics, Bathe asked Punk when fans can expect to see him […]
At the NHL All-Star Weekend event this weekend, FOX Sports broadcast member Carrlyn Bathe caught up with one-time UFC fighter and former WWE Superstar Phil “CM Punk” Brooks, who offered the latest update regarding a potential return to the Octagon. After discussing some hockey-related topics, Bathe asked Punk when fans can expect to see him […]
CM Punk has revealed that he’s doing his all to get back in the Octagon in the not-too-distant future and has entered discussions with UFC President Dana White.
The WWE star turned UFC fighter lost out on his competitive debut against Mickey Gall back …
CM Punk has revealed that he’s doing his all to get back in the Octagon in the not-too-distant future and has entered discussions with UFC President Dana White.
The WWE star turned UFC fighter lost out on his competitive debut against Mickey Gall back at September’s UFC 203, but he’s determined to make amends and is hand-picking who he’d like to take on.
In an interview with Fox Sports’ Carrlyn Bathe, Punk said that he’s back in training and is ready to return to action, per Damon Martin:
I am working on it feverishly. I’m throwing names at Dana (White), opponents, dates. I don’t know if he’s waiting for a Chicago show or what the deal is but if it doesn’t happen in the UFC, it will happen somewhere else. I’m dedicated to fighting and training. We’ll get there.
Despite Punk’s poor showing in his UFC debut back in September, Martin writes that White had previously been open to giving the former wrester another chance in the spotlight.
The first-round submission he suffered at the hands of Gall didn’t give fans much cause for encouragement, but Punk said he’s feeling good about life: “First one’s out of the way and life couldn’t be better. I still don’t have to wake up to an alarm so I really can’t complain about much.”
Should Punk get another chance, he’ll have to put on far more of a spectacle than he did last time out and show why he deserves a shot in UFC.
An undercard fight will get Punk the brawl he so sorely craves, although a second successive loss could well end his MMA career before it’s even taken off.
UFC President Dana White was recently featured in a TMZ Sports video where he talked about the futures of WWE stars turned UFC fighters CM Punk and Brock Lesnar.
On the subject of Lesnar, White said he…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RkJGaUVElQ
UFC President Dana White was recently featured in a TMZ Sports video where he talked about the futures of WWE stars turned UFC fighters CM Punk and Brock Lesnar.
On the subject of Lesnar, White said he has a great relationship with him but doubt he’ll ever see The Beast Incarnate back in a UFC octagon. White noted that he hasn’t had any talks with Lesnar specifically about another fight. Lesnar’s last fight against Mark Hunt was originally deemed a victory for the former WWE Champion, but it was overturned to a No Contest following two failed drug tests. Lesnar is serving a one-year suspension and paid a $250,000 fine for the failed tests.
“I think [Lesnar’s] career is winding down, but he’s a freak of nature, who knows, maybe he’ll give me a call and say he wants to do it again,” White said. “But I think he’s ready to ride off into the sunset.”
As far as CM Punk goes, the UFC President says he doesn’t know if Punk will get another shot in the octagon, but they’re going to talk about it and try to figure it out. White seemed to indicate that Punk, who only has one professional fight under his belt, may be better served starting off his career in another organization before returning to the UFC.
“UFC is a dangerous place, man,” White said of Punk. “It’s a tough place to come in for your first couple fights. I give him all the credit and respect in the world for coming in and giving it a shot. It’s a tough place to do it. We’ll see what happens, I love the guy.”
Back in October, White said that Punk’s UFC career was “probably over” after his first-round loss to Mickey Gall at UFC 203.
Gall dispatched of Sage Northcutt last night in UFC Sacramento and confirmed his plan to hold McGregor’s belt within two years
UFC on Fox 22 in Sacramento saw the 24 year old prospect submit ‘Super’ Sage Northcutt to earn him a 3-0 record in the promotion.
While it may be too early to suggest a hype train is ready to gather pace, Gall’s latest victory against Northcutt (8-2) is a positive step towards more recognition and bigger fights. His latest opponent had won three of his four UFC fights, and is a well known name in MMA, due to his impressive striking and flair for showmanship.
Mickey Gall has high hopes
It took the New Jersey man less than two rounds to dispatch the younger Texan: Gall looked comfortable in a lopsided first round, and ended the contest in the second via rear-naked choke. The man who defeated C.M Punk at UFC 203 was positive in his post-fight interview, telling Brian Stann (and the MMA world) the name he wants next:
“I’m gonna drop down to 155 – I’m a little young in the tooth for 170. I think I’ll go down there, I’ll be the champion in a couple of years”.
When asked who is next, the Gracie New Jersey fighter said:
“I’d like to welcome back Dan Hardy – he’s coming back, and said he wants a marquee fight. Name a marquee fight right now? I’d be honoured to fight him, he’s a legend. I’d love to fight him”
Due to a heart condition, Hardy (34) has not fought since a 2012 decision victory over Amir Sadollah in Nottingham, England. It remains to be seen if he will step back into the octagon in 2017, so Gall may need to focus his attentions elsewhere for now. “The Outlaw” did have a response to the call out via twitter:
Gall states that calling out Hardy was a “Hail Mary” which would assist in his ambition for bigger fights. McGregor’s name was also used as an example of how a fighter can find success when dropping down a weight class.
“I want to take out guys who have bigger names than me, who have more star power. Big names make nice trophies and I want some nice trophies, you know” said Gall.
“I plan on going down to 155. Making 170 is pretty easy; 155 will be pretty tough, but I think I’ll be the champion there. I like the way Conor went down [to featherweight] and suffered and made himself a champion, made himself a star. I think I can do the same thing”
“I’m tossing out the hail Mary. I’d love to see him [Hardy] come back. I’d love to see him fight me”
A future bout with Hardy would certainly garner further exposure for the young fighter, who is looking forward to a bright future in the UFC. If he will have what it takes to displace McGregor and the rest of a stacked 155 pound division, however, will take more time to determine.
Gall dispatched of Sage Northcutt last night in UFC Sacramento and confirmed his plan to hold McGregor’s belt within two years
UFC on Fox 22 in Sacramento saw the 24 year old prospect submit ‘Super’ Sage Northcutt to earn him a 3-0 record in the promotion.
While it may be too early to suggest a hype train is ready to gather pace, Gall’s latest victory against Northcutt (8-2) is a positive step towards more recognition and bigger fights. His latest opponent had won three of his four UFC fights, and is a well known name in MMA, due to his impressive striking and flair for showmanship.
Mickey Gall has high hopes
It took the New Jersey man less than two rounds to dispatch the younger Texan: Gall looked comfortable in a lopsided first round, and ended the contest in the second via rear-naked choke. The man who defeated C.M Punk at UFC 203 was positive in his post-fight interview, telling Brian Stann (and the MMA world) the name he wants next:
“I’m gonna drop down to 155 – I’m a little young in the tooth for 170. I think I’ll go down there, I’ll be the champion in a couple of years”.
When asked who is next, the Gracie New Jersey fighter said:
“I’d like to welcome back Dan Hardy – he’s coming back, and said he wants a marquee fight. Name a marquee fight right now? I’d be honoured to fight him, he’s a legend. I’d love to fight him”
Due to a heart condition, Hardy (34) has not fought since a 2012 decision victory over Amir Sadollah in Nottingham, England. It remains to be seen if he will step back into the octagon in 2017, so Gall may need to focus his attentions elsewhere for now. “The Outlaw” did have a response to the call out via twitter:
Was he old enough to watch the @UFC when I was still fighting? ?
Gall states that calling out Hardy was a “Hail Mary” which would assist in his ambition for bigger fights. McGregor’s name was also used as an example of how a fighter can find success when dropping down a weight class.
“I want to take out guys who have bigger names than me, who have more star power. Big names make nice trophies and I want some nice trophies, you know” said Gall.
“I plan on going down to 155. Making 170 is pretty easy; 155 will be pretty tough, but I think I’ll be the champion there. I like the way Conor went down [to featherweight] and suffered and made himself a champion, made himself a star. I think I can do the same thing”
“I’m tossing out the hail Mary. I’d love to see him [Hardy] come back. I’d love to see him fight me”
A future bout with Hardy would certainly garner further exposure for the young fighter, who is looking forward to a bright future in the UFC. If he will have what it takes to displace McGregor and the rest of a stacked 155 pound division, however, will take more time to determine.
CM Punk has revealed that he’s doing his all to get back in the Octagon in the not-too-distant future and has entered discussions with UFC President 
