CM Punk’s mixed-martial arts debut earlier this month left many people, including UFC president Dana White, doubting whether the former WWE wrestler could hack it when the fighting is real.
Mickey Gall submitted the 37-year-old just 2 minutes into the bout. Punk said his MMA journey is incomplete, and he will fight again. Of course, he needs the support of the UFC to make that happen on that stage.
White said it might be in Punk’s best interests to compete in other MMA organizations before stepping into the Octagon again.
However, that doesn’t mean the door is closed permanently.
“So what I told him to do, go home, spend some time with your wife, be normal for a little while and we’ll get on the phone and talk,” White said on the “UFC Unfiltered” podcast this week, as reported by Fox Sports. “Obviously we haven’t talked yet but we will, we’ll see what’s next.”
The UFC would be crazy not to nurture Punk’s fighting career because of his star power. The smart money is on Punk appearing in the Octagon at some point.
@redeyesportschi | chsosa@redeyechicago.com
![Fatpour Tap Works, a combined indoor/outdoor space with a dining room, bar, outdoor patio, 20 TVs and 20 beers on draft, opened its doors for its Lincolnwood location at District 1860. It’s the forth location for the restaurant with locations near the McCormick Pace Convention Center, Wicker Park and Wilmette, opened its doors for its newest location at District 1860 on April 25. Owner Erik Baylis said the restaurant is a “place for everyone” and serves modern American food on a menu with salads, flatbreads, sandwiches, burgers, traditional entrees and desserts. The Lincolnwood location at 7244 Lincolnwood location will be able […]](https://www.chicagotribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ppn-l-lwd-fatpour-district-1860-0502-01_6be1c2.jpg?w=467 "Fatpour Tap Works, a combined indoor/outdoor space with a dining room, bar, outdoor patio, 20 TVs and 20 beers on draft, opened its doors for its Lincolnwood location at District 1860. It’s the forth location for the restaurant with locations near the McCormick Pace Convention Center, Wicker Park and Wilmette, opened its doors for its newest location at District 1860 on April 25. Owner Erik Baylis said the restaurant is a “place for everyone” and serves modern American food on a menu with salads, flatbreads, sandwiches, burgers, traditional entrees and desserts. The Lincolnwood location at 7244 Lincolnwood location will be able […]")