CM Punk looks back on his UFC days.
Following his high-profile exit from WWE in 2014, CM Punk began a new athletic venture in the UFC. With the organization, Punk competed in two fights, both of which he initially lost; however, the second was later overturned to a no-contest.
While appearing on What’s For Lunch, Punk opened up about his decision to sign with UFC after nearly two decades in wrestling.
“Big learning curve. It’s just something I wanted to do because I love MMA so much,” he said. “I got offered an opportunity and I said yes. That’s kind of how I live my life.”
At the start of his dive into mixed martial arts, Punk was 36 years old — an age he recognizes is much older than most rookies.
“I wish I started sooner, that’s the only thing,” he said. “I started so late; I was already old. It was obviously just kind of like a bucket list thing. I mean, [that] doesn’t mean I didn’t take it seriously. I trained my ass off, got into shape. Did what I could, but yeah, I started way late … It’s like starting in the NFL when you’re 35.”
Punk’s first outing in The Octagon took place at UFC 203 in September 2016. His opponent? Mickey Gall, who defeated Punk with a rear-naked choke. Punk’s second fight at UFC 225 against Mike Jackson also initially resulted in a loss. After officials discovered that Jackson had tested positive for marijuana on the day of their fight, however, the result was overturned to a no-contest.
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