CM Punk talks of training hardships, predicts TKO win in UFC debut

Former pro-wrestling superstar Phillip Jack Brooks, who is better known as CM Punk, is out to prove that he has what it takes to become a legitimate mixed martial arts fighter when he battles Mickey Gall at UFC 203 on September 10 (September 11 PHL time) at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.

 

Punk, 37, has been criticized by both fans and media for his seemingly lack of skills to compete in the world's premiere mixed martial arts promotion. 

 

The ex-professional wrestler, however, feels he had the right preparation for  his professional MMA debut. "I think my aptitude in... what I was really good at is just absorbing everything. You know, I got three head coaches pretty much. We got a revolving group of people who’ve been helping me with wrestling. And on top of that, you know, I trained with killers and champions, current champions, former champions," said Punk.

 

"It’s a lot to take in but I was a sponge. To me that’s what it’s all about," he added. "It’s about the journey, you know what I mean? It’s about finding out about different disciplines and learning from everybody from all walks of life. But my mindset I think is probably my biggest tool."

 

Punk's opponent, the 24-year-old Gall, is an up and coming fighter with a 2-0 record, with both wins by submission. Some observers believed that Gall would prove to be a handful for Punk, but the latter is predicting a win come fight night.

 

"I see my hand getting raised and I’m not really one for making predictions," says Punk.

 

"I’m not sure if Conor’s (UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor) hat would fit on my head. I don’t know if he’s got a large head or a small one but I’m not trying to wear Conor’s hat. I’m not trying to wear anybody else’s hat. I’m just trying to be me, do my thing. I definitely see myself winning and if I had to pick, I’d pick TKO." — DVM, GMA News