CM Punk’s UFC debut went how most expected as the former WWE superstar was routed by Mickey Gall, losing via rear-naked choke in the first round. It takes something to be able to get as far as he did in a second career.
Advertisement
After walking out of WWE almost three years ago, though, Punk went through with his intentions.
Afterwards, Punk approached Gall inside the Octagon and finally spoke to his opponent about everything that had just transpired.
Punk, pinned up against the fencing, was unable to wriggle free from under Gall and was caught by numerous blows to the head, including a powerful right to the temple.
CM Punk lost his debut mixed martial arts fight at last night’s UFC 203 event.
“No. Rock delivered. The fact that he came in as CM Punk tells you what they were pushing”.
After stepping off the scales to face off with the 24-year-old, Punk completely ignored Gall’s offering. “I don’t know what happens from here on out”, said Punk during the UFC 203 post-fight press conference. “It was a hell of a climb, I didn’t get to the summit tonight but it doesn’t mean I’m going to give up it doesn’t mean I’m going anywhere, it doesn’t mean I’m going to stop”.
In the main event, Cleveland native Stipe Miocic successfully defended his UFC Heavyweight Championship after knocking out 2010 K-1 World Grand Prix victor and former Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem.
The champion earned $600,000 (£450,000) while former heavyweight ruler Fabricio Werdum took home $375,000 (£280,000) for defeating Travis Browne.
McGregor reiterated his pointed remarks concerning WWE stars, but he said Punk is not of the same ilk because he got inside the cage.
“I 100 percent felt a strong obligation to make an example out of him”, Gall told Ariel Helwani on Monday’s episode of The MMA Hour. “I wasn’t surprised he got through those early chokes because I was only half committing, nearly playing a game with it in a way”. Based off comments Dana White’s made, however, it could be a while before Punk returns to the Octagon.
Still, Punk intends to stick with his new love.
However, once the fight started, it was Mickey Gall all the way.
Advertisement
“I think it shows that he’s still not a fighter to the degree other guys are”, he said.
