It looks like the UFC is preparing to ramp up the hype train surrounding their biggest signing in recent memory. CM Punk's most recent public appearance, in his home town of Chicago, saw him turn up with a camera crew in tow, filming a documentary of his attempt to make it to (and in) the UFC octagon. It's an approach that many media pundits suggested could be an option for the former WWE champion when the news of his signing with the UFC was first announced. The appearance, at Challenger Comics, saw about 400 fans show up to the ticketed event, according to PW Insider. It was held to promote Marvel's Thor Annual #1, co-written by Punk, and saw fans interviewed about the star and filmed interacting with him. Signs posted stated that those in attendance were giving their consent to appear in the project. The documentary is expected to air on Fox Sports in the lead up to his UFC debut later this year, although UFC Fight Pass could also be an option (and it will no doubt wind up in the archive there at some point). This news comes following word that Punk will be at UFC 185 this coming weekend, though not to fight. Punk will accompany teammate Anthony Pettis to the octagon Saturday night when Pettis defends his UFC lightweight championship against Rafael dos Anjos. It will mark Punk's first time out to the octagon in any capacity. A few years back, Punk had arranged to accompany Chael Sonnen to the octagon, but WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon squashed the idea, forbidding the then-WWE employee from appearing on UFC programming. Punk's head coach, Duke Roufus, meanwhile, has commented more on Punk's first ever sparring session/scrimmage at Team Rousfusport. Speaking to ESPN, Roufus said that;
He did pretty good against a guy who is 4-0. Did he win the match if we had scored it? No, he did not but thats cool with him. He likes the struggle. There are certain people who enjoy going into the fire and becoming a phoenix. Most people like to avoid that fire. I was surprised with his natural aggression in striking. Thats an unknown thing about striking; its that sometimes you can teach someone all the tools of the trade, but if they dont have a trigger finger and the ability to throw under fire, it just doesnt matter. I was looking for instincts, and he didnt cave under pressure.
As speculated on when the first photo of Punk sparring hit the net, it also appears that his targeted weight class will be welterweight, as he has dropped a lot of weight in training. MMA News, who confirmed the weight class drop, also report that Punk has a meeting planned with UFC officials in July to discuss his debut.
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.
