CM Punk’s highly anticipated debut in the UFC didn’t exactly go as planned last month when he was submitted by Mickey Gall in the first round.
Punk was reportedly paid $500,000 for his efforts, and while Gall could be destined for big things in the future, if he can get past the equally-talented Sage Northcutt, Punk may not be getting similar opportunities.
DEBUT LOSS
The 37-year-old spent two years training for his mixed martial arts debut in the welterweight division, and confirmed at UFC 181 that he had signed a multi-fight deal with the organisation.
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However, based on Dana White’s recent comments on UFC Tonight on FS1, it doesn’t look as if the former WWE star will be getting another crack on the most prominent stage of MMA.
He said: “Is CM Punk going to be a guy who is going to stay in the UFC and continue to fight? Probably not.
“But he wanted to try it. I like the guy. I respect the guy. He wanted to fight in the UFC. He wanted to do it. He trained for two years, and he did it.”
That doesn’t completely end his MMA career, though. This setback could put Punk in a position to try his luck in a different organisation, and if he does well, there’s a chance his huge following could result in him fighting in the UFC again.
DIFFERENT TO BROCK LESNAR'S SITUATION
Whether he wants to continue is a different story.
The question was brought up after White was asked about former NFL player, Greg Hardy pursuing a career in the sport
It doesn’t seem like White is that interested in Punk or Hardy, despite another former WWE star in Brock Lesnar kicking off his UFC career in a similar manner, albeit against a bona fide legend in Frank Mir.
White added: "There’s been situations like Brock Lesnar who came in and wanted to do it, and obviously that one turned out well.
“Then obviously we had the CM Punk thing. It just depends. I wouldn’t say I’m looking for retired NFL players for pay-per-view or anything like that. I just don’t know what the real interest is in seeing some of these guys fight or even if it makes sense.”
Punk may still have the desire to continue fighting, but if Dana doesn’t see any value to it, then his fans may need to come to terms with the fact that his UFC career is over.
What do you make of Dana White saying CM Punk may never fight in the UFC again? Have YOUR say in the comments section below.
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