CM Punk's UFC Debut Could Happen in June at UFC 199
Former WWE champion and current UFC newcomer Phil "CM Punk" Brooks finally has an opponent for his Octagon debut and the fight could happen soon. UFC President Dana White revealed in an interview that he is looking at UFC 199 as the possible show where Punk will make his first MMA career fight, per MMA Fighting.
"The CM Punk fight is probably going to be in June. UFC 199 is what I'm thinking," White told the "Toucher & Rich Show." The decision came two days after the UFC president announced that 23-year-old Mickey Gall would be Punk's first opponent.
However, Gall has to win his UFC debut first in order to get his hands on the former WWE superstar. He is set to face fellow UFC newcomer Michael Jackson at UFC 196 on Feb. 6 in Las Vegas, per FOX Sports.
White found the New Jersey-based fighter during his YouTube show "Dana White: Looking for a Fight" when Gall called out CM Punk after winning his professional debut. The welterweight prospect predicted that he would triumph against the 37-year-old newcomer in the first round.
"I finish CM Punk. I'm not sure if I knock him out or I submit him, but I think it ends and I think it ends in the first round. I'm supremely confident," Gall said.
The 23-year-old is training under Jim and Dan Miller while Punk is training under Duke Roufus of Roufusports in Milwaukee, where former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis and welterweight contender Tyron Woodley train. He suffered a shoulder injury late in 2015 that delayed his debut.
However, the Chicago-native is hoping that his debut will be moved back to UFC 200 in July as many expected. "There's part of me that cares because UFC 200 is going to be a big deal. I've spoken to Dana about it, trying to figure out what's best for both parties. It's just a smarter business decision," Punk told the Associated Press.
"Of course, he says he's going to finish me in the first round. I would have it no other way. He's coming to finish me and I'm coming to finish him," he added, responding to Gall's first round prediction.
Despite training in Milwaukee, Punk is scheduled to Gall's territory this week when he travels to New Jersey and train under NHL's New Jersey Devils strength and conditioning coach Joe Lorincz. He is also set to visit former light heavyweight champion Forrest Griffin for a two-day training session.
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