The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) announced that former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) superstar Phil Brooks, who is popularly known as CM Punk, will fight in the Octagon in 2015.

UFC president Dana White announced the signing during the UFC 181 fight card on Saturday. White revealed that Punk, a five-time WWE world champion, wants to fight at middleweight, where he is expected to face fighters who are also starting their mixed martial arts career like the former wrestling champion.

"He wanted to fight here," White told ESPN. "He wanted to give it a shot, so we gave him an opportunity. It's not like Brock Lesnar. We're not going to throw the kitchen sink at him."

White also added that Punk approached him several times about the possibility of fighting in the Octagon once his contract with WWE expires. The UFC president also added that CM Punk has been preparing for his MMA debut by undergoing intensive jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts training.

White did not give a specific debut date for Punk, but he hinted that it could take seven months before they allow him to fight in the Octagon. Punk is excited to get his new career going, knowing that he has limited time to prove that he has what it takes to be lined up against the best mixed martial artists.

"My professional wrestling days are over, it's awesome to be here," Punk said. "This is something I've wanted to do for a long time. I felt like it was now or never. I have a limited window most fighters don't have. I'm either here to win or get my ass kicked."

CM Punk's signing drew mixed reactions from fans and UFC fighters. Women's champion Ronda Rousey expressed excitement about it, while some fighters like Nate Diaz is unsure why Punk decided to move to UFC.

Brock Lesnar, who is also one of the biggest WWE stars, went 5-3 when he decided to pursue his MMA career. WWE superstar Dave Batista also had one MMA fight, while Bobby Lashley holds a 12-2 record.

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