PRO WRASSLERS crossing over in to MMA is never met with positive feedback from the MMA community.
Even less so when the wrestler in question is a 0-0 fighter with no background in any particular discipline.
UFC dropped the bombshell during the broadcast of UFC 181 that it has now signed the controversial former WWE Superstar CM Punk.
The announcement was made as Joe Rogan interviewed the former pro wrestling superstar about the deal.
Punk said: "It's awesome to be here.
"This is something that has been in the back of my mind for a very, very long time. I have a background in kempo. I've done Brazilian jiu jitsu off and on for a very, very long time but the idea of being able to step in the Octagon and find out what's inside myself and test myself is an opportunity that I was not able to deny myself. I don't think I'd have been able to live with myself if I didn't give this a shot.
"I felt like it was now or never maybe about three years ago. I re-signed with WWE and I tried to give that the old college try and it is now or never for me. I have a limited window, just like all fighters do, and I fully intend to get in there and I'm here for a fight. I'm here to get my ass kicked or to kick somebody's ass.
"This is my new career, 100-per-cent. I'm going to go full steam ahead all systems go after today and it's going to be fun. I have nothing but respect for everybody here in the UFC, everybody here who steps in the octagon to fight. When it's all said and done, when I'm finished everybody's going to have to respect me because I have come here to fight."
Punk admitted that at present he is unsure of the weight class in which he will fight, touting middleweight as his likely destination but he refused to rule out welterweight as a potential option.
Punk - real name Phil Brooks - was last seen on WWE television at January's Royal Rumble pay-per-view. He then made the call to walk out on Vince McMahon's company after several decisions left him disgruntled.
Punk recently poured his heart out on close friend Colt Cabana's Art of Wrestling podcast regarding the decision to walk out on the WWE and he cited a clause in the contract that blocked him from competing for a host of other organisations - including the UFC.
The WWE has long maintained that the UFC is NOT a major competitor. Yet it has enforced the clause to halt its top stars defecting.
When Brock Lesnar signed for the UFC in 2008 it was met, by and large, by MMA fans crucifying Zuffa for the move. Lesnar went on to become the companies biggest ever draw.
Now the difference is Brock Lesnar brought an NCAA Division 1 heavyweight wrestling title with him to the sport.
Punk, on the other hand, brings no real competitive martial arts background with him but the 36-year-old five time WWE World Heavyweight Champion has been studying Brazilian jiu jitsu under Rener and Ryron Gracie for a number of years and has trained in kempo.
The announcement has seen a raft of current UFC fighters, as well as others, laying out challenges to the Chicago native.
Brit, Michael Bisping, who was a television analyst for Fox at UFC 181, tweeted: "I see @cmpunk wants to kick ass, well he can kiss my ass! Haha welcome to the Ufc brother! Let's do this! @ufc"
Irishman, Cathal Pendred laid down his own challenge which may have been tounge in cheek, saying: "Every UFC middleweight will be calling out CM Punk now. Damn! I'll call him out!! #MassiveOpportunity"
The news of Punk's arrival should see new life breathed in to the UFC. Punk brings with him a larger, more dedicated following than the one brought over by former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar.
Punk gained a reputation during his nine year stint with WWE as being one of the best talkers of his generation. Gaining a strong following for his scathing interviews in the worked world of pro wrestling. With the departure of Chael Sonnen, the signing of Punk should see a return of a brash, quick-witted promo style interviews.
Punk is also a close friend of Paul Heyman - the man helped Lesnar pursue his MMA career.
From a sporting point of view, the signing is questionable to say the least. By the time Lesnar reached the UFC he had several MMA fights under his belt.
Punk on the other hand is a complete novice.
Yet the move should, and in all probability will, be a stroke of genius.
Punk will draw, far more than 99 percent of the current roster.
That has left many fans and fighters to outwardly display bitterness towards Punk, but the truth is, Punk's debut is already must see TV.
The move also comes as speculation becomes rife that the UFC is set to bid for Brock Lesnar's services. Lesnar will allegedly become a free agent after WrestleMania 31, with Bellator also seemingly interested in him.
The move IS a massive coup for the UFC and one which should more than pay for itself.
0 comments:
Post a Comment