The human experiment that was CM Punk’s MMA debut went just as many predicted.
With no previous fight experience, even as an amateur, Punk was thrown in at the deepest part of the deep end as he was matched up with a dangerous, hungry and battle-tested youngster in Mickey Gall.
The gulf in skill was telling early and the former WWE superstar lasted just over two minutes in his first mixed martial arts bout.
The two years of training under Duke Roufus were not enough to prepare Punk for the choppy waters and he submitted to a rear naked choke.
WATCH: Former WWE superstar CM Punk gets taken out early in his UFC debut https://t.co/8nTCeZGZml
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) September 11, 2016
It begs the question – what’s next for the 37-year-old?
The ease with which he was dispatched would lead you to believe that the UFC would struggle to find a more suitable opponent and, according to reporter John Pollock, UFC president Dana White has recommended that Punk try a smaller stage if he is to continue pursuing his MMA dream.
Dana White tells me that if CM Punk has another fight, it probably shouldn't be in the UFC
— John Pollock (@iamjohnpollock) September 11, 2016
Punk, real name Phil Brooks, did not dismiss the suggestion that his showing on Saturday night could well lead to being cut by the promotion.
“I don’t know what happens from here on out; what if I get cut?” he said at the post-fight press conference. “I think that’s a possibility? Do I want that to happen? No. But who’s to say where I go from here?”
At 37 and with his lack of experience, it would be unlikely that Punk would have sufficient time to put a run together on the regional circuit that would allow him a path back to the UFC.
But the former pro wrestler does not want to throw in the towel just yet.
“I definitely want to keep going,” he said. “I just fell off a bike. I’m not going to shelve it and leave it in the middle of the street. I’ve got to get back on to ride.”
