7 Ways UFC Could Book CM Punk's Return

Looks like Punk will be back in the UFC after all.

CM Punk UFC 203
2016 Getty Images

CM Punk's debut in the UFC was anything but dazzling. In fact, some would call it an unmitigated disaster. It wasn't, not exactly, if only because his opponent, Mickey Gall, went on to prove he was no tomato can by defeating a budding UFC star in Sage Northcutt. Still, it was a huge setback, and it seemed like Punk's days in the promotion were done.

However, things are suddenly looking up for CM Punk. The UFC, sold to WME-IMG last year for a whopping $4.2 billion, needs all the star power it can get. Punk, to his credit, has never faltered in his desire to keep going. Now, it looks like he's going to get his chance at redemption.

Just how and where, however, remains to be seen. Those who were just curious to see how the CM Punk in MMA experiment would turn out may have lost interest at this point. UFC (and MMA in general) hardcores don't take him seriously. His own fanbase will stick around to watch, as well as other curious parties, but what's the best way to bring Punk back for a second go?

With the possibility of a Punk return to action in the spring or summer quite possible, we'll take a look at seven ways for the UFC to book CM Punk's return.

7. Use Him To Launch A "Challengers" Style Show

CM Punk UFC 203
UFC

Lets be real about this for a moment: those hoping that CM Punk was going to come over to the UFC with zero experience, and even after a year or two look like a world beater, were seriously delusional. Fighters spend years honing their craft. Many train for a decade or more before they hit the level of the UFC. Modern MMA means training every discipline, and to be the best, you have to understand every facet of the game.

That was a stiff test for CM Punk, but it would be a stiff test for anyone. He probably should have taken some amateur fights, but that would have lessened his value to the UFC. So, we got Punk vs. Gall, which ended pretty much like it should have.

That said, Strikeforce, which the UFC eventually purchased, used to do something rather interesting. It had a series of shows called Strikeforce: Challengers that featured up-and-coming prospects. It was a great way to showcase fresh talent, and someone like Punk would really boost interest in such an event. He could easily fight once or twice for such a series were the UFC to launch it's own version. However, it's iffy as to whether the UFC wants to go that route, since they've been cutting fighters of late rather than expanding their roster.

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Primarily covering the sport of MMA from Ontario, Canada, Jay Anderson has been writing for various publications covering sports, technology, and pop culture since 2001. Jay holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Guelph, and a Certificate in Leadership Skills from Humber College.