UFC 203: WWE helped CM Punk get eligible for MMA debut
CM Punk’s past life in professional wrestling actually secured his ability to compete in this weekend’s UFC 203
CM Punk turned his back on the world of professional wrestling back in February of 2014. Two years later, however, it’s that very experience that’s paved the way for his new career to get off the ground.
In order to compete at UFC 203 this weekend, where Punk will make his MMA debut, he first had to be licensed and cleared by Ohio’s Athletic Commission. Due to his inexperience in mixed martial arts, there potentially could have been legitimate hurdles for him to clear in order to be allowed to compete at all. And while the caliber and legitimacy of his training — in addition to the validity of the UFC — played a big role in Punk being cleared, the OAC had more to consider. So they logically began their research with his pro wrestling tenure and accolades, an arena where he remains one of the most accomplished athletes in the world.
Ultimately, the OAC ruled favorably for Punk to compete, largely based on his proven pro wrestling background.
Punk, who was a five-time world champion during his WWE run, in addition to garnering numerous other titles, spent nine years in the top pro wrestling promotion in the world before leaving due to creative differences in 2014. Since then he’s trained for this weekend’s MMA debut at the Roufusport MMA Academy, with Dick Roufus and former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis as well.
It also didn’t hurt that he will be facing a fighter with a relatively similar level of UFC experience. Mickey Gall has had a grand total of two UFC matches in his career thus far. So the level of competition facing him is not seen as a true competitive disadvantage for the debuting Punk.
All things considered, this is easily the most discussed fight between a pair of inexperienced fighters in UFC history, and is guaranteed to be a spectacle on one level or another.
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