I'm a CM Punk fan. I'm a UFC fan. (I'm still a reluctant WWE fan.) So needless to say I am wildly intrigued by this move. We've known Punk was interested in MMA for awhile based on his attendance at a few events and his relationship with a number of fighters and trainers including Rener Gracie. But Punk as a fighter? Well it's happening in 2015.
News came out last night at UFC 181 that CM Punk signed a multi-fight deal with the company. He also did a 20 minute interview with Ariel Helwani (Google that, solid stuff).
I know the immediate reaction by many will be "He's going to get killed." "Does he know this is real?" Etc. etc. But he's not stupid. And neither is the UFC. I do question if they are struggling with PPV numbers and with the loss of Brock Lesnar (more on him in a minute) and the long lay off of Georges St. Pierre and Anderson Silva, they're just trying to add a popular figure.
Is it a publicity stunt a la Kimbo Slice? To be fair Dana White put Kimbo through the reality show before his chance in the octagon and he's not nearly as popular, however a guy who many felt didn't belong and turns out they were right.
I think Punk is different. And maybe that's the fan in me talking, but his training in ju jitsu and knowledge/passion for the sport gives him a leg up (in my mind) over a dude who beat the shit out of guys in his back yard.
Punk has seen countless fights and knows what those fighters go through leading up to and during the fight. He won't be surprised and he won't be expecting to land a one-punch KO (see Slice, Kimbo).
As optimistic as I am, there are still a number of questions and concerns. CM Punk is 36 years old. He has never had a mixed martial arts fight and his first will be at the highest level. That's like you playing your first football game in the NFL.
He's listed at 6'2, 218 pounds. (Where I found it.) Of course Ultimate Warrior was from Parts Unknown so...
What division will he be in? He mentioned in his interview with Helwani it might be Middleweight (185) but didn't rule out Welterweight (170).
For those not familiar with MMA but may recognize names...
Middleweights include: Chris Weidman (champ), Anderson Silva, Vitor Belfort.
Welterweights include: Robbie Lawler (champ), Johny Hendricks, Georges St. Pierre.
He's obviously not fighting those guys anytime soon (perhaps ever). Who does he fight? Do they throw tomato cans at him for awhile? Are they looking to protect him?
He will be a big name and help with pay-per-views. He told Helwani that his first fight would definitely be on a PPV (UFC sprinkles in free fights on FOX channels as well.) But he's here for PPVs.
How long can you have him fight bums? Probably a little while, assuming he wins. If he goes 0-2, 0-3 he's probably done. Although the UFC emphasizes wins, they also demand entertaining fights. If he loses a thrilling fight by decision that could keep him around we well.
Good news is the UFC is not revolving around him. Not to keep bringing up Kimbo Slice but we all remember EliteXC and all the eggs they put in the Kimbo basket. Well a loss on free TV to Seth Petruzelli (who was an injury replacement for Ken Shamrock) all but shut down the company. Again, this won't be an issue with Punk. Good gamble by the UFC and great challenge for Punk.
So he's old, inexperienced, and uncertain of weight class. What about others who have gone from the WWF/WWE to the UFC?
Brock Lesnar (5-3, UFC)
Far and away the most success for a wrestler turned mixed-martial-artist. He was a dominate collegiate wrestler which made the transition smooth. In fact almost all the best guys in the UFC are exceptional wrestlers or ju jitsu practitioners. Lesnar was at one time the UFC Heavyweight Champ, but lost his last 2 fights in brutal fashion and returned to the WWE. Rumors swirl of a possible UFC return however.
Bam Bam Bigelow (0-1)
The late great Bam Bam Bigelow had one career MMA bout. He got choked out by the legend Kimo Leopoldo in the 1st round. He was 35 at the time.
Bart Gunn (1-1)
One half the Smoking Guns took his success from "Brawl for it All" (forget the Butterbean fight, he doesn't remember it and neither should you) and had two MMA bouts. He beat Cabbage Correira via TKO (cut) in 2006 and followed that up with a loss to Ikuhisa "The Punk" Minowa by decision at Pride Bushido 13 (I have the DVD, need to go back watch that one.)
Bobby Lashley (12-2)
Lashley, another elite college wrestler, has had MMA success. He has not faced the level of competition that Brock Lesnar has, in fact all 14 of his fights have been outside the UFC. He had some bouts in Strikeforce and is currently signed to Bellator. He's taking this smart and not going after the biggest names right away. If he continues to win a move to the UFC makes sense.
Batista (1-0)
All due respect to something called Vince Lucero, Batista had one MMA fight where he picked up a 1st round TKO win. He was 43 at the time. This counts I guess.
Obviously a mixed bag here. Lesnar and Lashley have made that transition and looked good doing it. The others? Not as much. The big challenge for Punk is coming from the wrestling world while not having that elite wrestling skill. He has his work cut out for him.
I'll be rooting for him and I'll be watching. Say what you want, but you have to respect a guy for getting in there. I hope he does well, and who can difinivedly say he won't? I haven't seen him train and neither have you. Be skeptic all you want but I'm not going to rule him out.
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