“Should be in some amateur event” – Joe Rogan believed CM Punk did not belong on the main card in the UFC
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In 2014, Phil Brooks, popularly known as CM Punk broke the internet when he announced his move to the UFC. Throughout his career, Punk competed in pro-wrestling. While his move to MMA was unexpected, many people critiqued the fighter and felt he would have a hard time adjusting to the brutalities of mixed martial arts.
Despite having never competed before, CM Punk was given a spot on the main card in the two times he competed inside the octagon. But, the former WWE champion was not able to live up to that spot. In the two fights he competed in, Punk first lost to Mickey Gall via submission, and later lost to Mike Jackson via decision. However, the loss in his second fight was turned to a no contest as Jackson tested positive for drugs.
While many appreciated Punk for the heart he showed, UFC color commentator Joe Rogan believed Punk did not belong on the main card. He said, “It shouldn’t even be on the ‘Tuesday Night Contender’ show. It should be in some amateur event somewhere. That’s really what they are. They’re guys learning how to compete. They’re in the first fight on the pay-per-view. That’s f–king crazy.” [H/T MMA NYTT]
Despite failing to make his mark in mixed martial arts, CM Punk won the hearts of fans by displaying immense toughness. This attribute shown by Punk also earned him praise from a former heavyweight champion.
Former UFC Heavyweight champion heaps praise on CM Punk
Regardless of the losses, CM Punk tried his best to stay in the fight. While his debut against Gall ended in round one, Punk went the distance in his second fight and showed heart. This display of toughness earned Punk the admiration of former UFC heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos.
During his appearance on “Throwing Down with Renee Paquette and Miesha Tate”, Junior Dos Santos detailed his meeting with CM Punk, and was also complimentary of the latter’s performances in AEW. Dos Santos said, “Yes. Of course, I was able to talk to him. He’s a great guy. He was doing some great performances over there (in AEW). He was kind of a role model over there as well. He’s great at doing that thing.”
Furthermore, the former UFC heavyweight champion also spoke of Punk’s career in mixed martial arts. He said, “He didn’t do very well in MMA, but he got the courage to go there and try it. Many guys don’t even try it.” [H/T Wrestling News]
Also Read: “He’d probably have to be slapped around”- When Roman Reigns declared his dislike for CM Punk
While Dos Santos currently competes in the heavyweight division at Eagle FC, he also makes occasional appearances at All Elite Wrestling as a member of the American Top Team. What did you think of CM Punk’s career in the UFC? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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Varun Anand Bhat
(106 Articles Published)