CM Punk Reportedly Not Progressing Well As A UFC Fighter
Punk considered huge underdog against Mickey Gall.
In December 2014, former WWE Champion CM Punk shocked the sports world by signing a multi-fight deal with UFC. Though he has been training with coach Duke Roufus since then, and Mickey Gall has been announced as his first opponent, injuries and other setbacks have repeatedly delayed Punk's debut.
Now, The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that according to numerous sources, Punk has not progressed well as a fighter. Rumors coming out of his live sparring sessions indicate that he is performing at a good level, and WON's Dave Meltzer states that it's believed in the industry that Gall will "probably run through" Punk.
Furthermore, it's been telling that UFC seems to have pulled back its emphasis on Punk. Though it was previously announced that Punk would probably make his debut at June 4's UFC 199, Punk underwent surgery for a herniated disc in February, making the date impossible for him to make. Since then, there's been little talk about when Punk will debut, and no further announcements have been made regarding the filming of an FS 1 reality show detailing the buildup to the fight.
As Punk will turn 38 on October 26, there is major doubt regarding his shelf life as a fighter. UFC's lack of comment on Punk as of late has led to renewed speculation that he may never actually fight.