We almost called this article ‘you’ll never guess why CM Punk won’t be fighting at UFC 200’.
However, you’ve probably already come to the conclusion that the former wrestling star has come up with yet another excuse to pull out of his maiden appearance in the Octagon.
Punk finally boked his first UFC opponent last weekend, when Mickey Gall beat Mike Jackson to set up a clash with the ex-WWE star later this year, at either UFC 199 or UFC 200.
But alas, alas dear MMA fan, the fight will not be happening for at least a number of months as Punk has confirmed that he needs surgery on a back injury and is unsure of his return to full-time training.
He told MMAFighting that he needs surgery on a disc ion his back as a result of his former career
“My back has always bugged me. Figured it was just wrestling shit. Turns out it was,
it got bad enough to the point where I couldn’t do anything the week before I went to train with the New Jersey Devils last month. One day I could manage, the next day I couldn’t. I’ve been in agony for almost a month. Chiropractor, acupuncture, massage, cryotherapy … nothing worked.”
The delay to Punk’s UFC debut is likely to frustrate not only his fans but Dana White and UFC organisers, who have been promising his maiden fight for months now.
His injury woes over the last number of months have also been well documented, having suffered a shoulder injury before Christmas, almost 12 months since he signed with the UFC in December 2014.
When he will actually get inside the cage now, is anyone’s guess.
There has been some sympathy for him.
You do have to feel for CM Punk, though. Late-30s. Body is beat up. Not really made to endure a hard training camp. Not getting any younger.
— Ben Fowlkes (@benfowlkesMMA) February 10, 2016
CM Punk's never going to fight, that's kinda sad
— Walt Bacon (@WALTBACON) February 10, 2016
But not much.
https://twitter.com/LeonVegaSuarez/status/697478695301332993
https://twitter.com/FrontRowBrian/status/697465699690614784
https://twitter.com/GrabakaHitman/status/697468700824358912
CM Punk injured again.
UFC debut expected as soon as 2023.
— Heelbook (@Heelbook) February 10, 2016
