White using reality show to scout for CM Punk's first opponent
There's still no word when professional wrestler turned professional fighter CM Punk — real name Phil Brooks — will make his UFC debut, but he might have an opponent soon.
UFC president Dana White revealed in an interview on Thursday that he's currently scouting potential fighters to face Punk in his first fight. It's likely the person who will get matched up with the former WWE superstar will come from outside the athletes on the current roster.
"I just started a new show, the pilot is on YouTube, it's called 'Dana White Looking for a Fight' and I'm actually out looking for opponents for CM Punk right now," White said when speaking to TSN this week.
In the first episode of his reality show, White actually scouted and signed 19-year old lightweight fighter Sage Northcutt, who made a blistering debut at UFC 192 where he tore through Francisco Trevino in just 57 seconds into the first round.
White recently took a trips to New Jersey and Alaska for additional episodes of the reality show so it appears the hunt is on for the opponent to face Punk in his debut.
As far as when the fight will take place, White isn't setting a date just yet as he gives the 37-year old MMA novice as much time as he needs to get ready but it will happen in 2016.
"It's the first time this guy has ever trained to fight," White said. "The guy's never wrestled. He's professional wrestled but he's never wrestled. He will fight next year, 100 percent."
Punk has been training under coach Duke Roufus in Milwaukee where he works with several UFC fighters including former lightweight champion Anthony Pettis and welterweight contender Tyron Woodley.
Punk did suffer a setback earlier this year with a shoulder injury that forced him out of training for several weeks but all signs are pointing towards his first UFC fight happening next year.
