CM Punk’s UFC career run may not have achieved the heights of his WWE career but according to him, he wouldn’t change a thing about his decision. The WWE star moved to the UFC in 2014 when he announced that he had signed a multi-fight contract with the promotion. His debut came at UFC 203 in 2016, against Mickey Gall where he lost the bout in the first round via a submission.
Subsequently, he fought once more at UFC 225 against Mike Jackson in a losing effort that saw him face defeat via a unanimous decision. As such, his performance and decision to transition to the world of MMA at that point in his career were criticized by the MMA fandom and prominent figures in the sport.
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However, in a recent appearance on the MMA Hour, Punk made a startling confession about the time he spent competing in the UFC. During the interview, Ariel Helwani posed the question, “Now that WWE and UFC are under the same umbrella, 3rd fight in the Octagon? What are we thinking?” Punk responded, “I asked my wife the other day, I was like, ‘Yeah, what was I like 35 when I fought? And she’s just like, you were like 36 or 37 and I just went ‘The f**k was I thinking’.”
The WWE star also confessed that “But I get it, it’s easy to LOL, make fun of me, and some people look at that and be like, ‘Oh that’s embarrassing’, but like, I f**king made the weight, I made the walk, I’m 100% proud of myself and I would do it again because you know, that was me at my absolute worst, you know and I did it.”
And his honesty in his remarks has caught the attention of the MMA fandom who took to the comment section to highlight their support for Punk’s attempt at transitioning to the incredibly tough and competitive world of the UFC!
Fans change their tune as calls of ‘respect’ echo online for CM Punk’s MMA journey
It seems that the fans’ reactions to CM Punk’s UFC career have evolved, with many expressing newfound respect and support for his efforts inside the Octagon. Here’s a look at what the fans had to say:
Fans pointed out that most people who criticize fighters aren’t self-aware enough to realize that they have no idea what it’s like to actually fight inside a cage
“Average person can’t even do 20 push-ups anymore but have a ton to say about people who actually compete”
Others also re-iterated the fact that just stepping into the Octagon for a fight is a challenge worthy of respect
“He stepped into the UFC octagon, absolute respect”
Many even pointed out that despite his career not panning out the way Punk might have hoped, he still competed at the highest level possible in MMA
“Walked the walk. Nobody can take that away. True failure doesn’t exist when you’re challenging yourself at the highest level.”
Fans also highlighted that “internet culture” is filled with vocal sections that constantly criticize Punk despite his valiant efforts to transition from professional wrestling to MMA
“Internet culture has average people badmouthing guys like Punk, but at least he did it. Mad respect for stepping in the octagon, should be proud.”
Others indicated that while some criticism is valid when it comes to Punk’s status in the UFC, he still “deserves” the respect other fighters also receive
“you can have your opinion on the ufc shoe horning him in. or have a opinion about his takes. but he went in there and fought. he deserves that respect”
However, there were still some detractors who claimed that Punk wasn’t a “real fighter”
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“Should have never been allowed to be in the octagon with real fighters”
Fans also pointed out that Punk was paid significantly more for his time in the promotion compared to established champions like Demetrious Johnson as it was revealed that Punk secured an estimated disclosed purse of $500,000 for his UFC debut against Gall!
“Most of the hate stems from him getting paid like a champion defending his title again”
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In conclusion, while his UFC career may not have yielded the success some anticipated, Punk’s willingness to step out of his comfort zone and pursue new challenges has garnered respect from many. His journey reflects the resilience and determination associated with his WWE persona, underscoring Punk’s status as a figure who continually pushes boundaries and seeks to redefine himself in the world of sports and entertainment.
