CM Punk's UFC Debut At Madison Square Garden?

Some huge news broke in the world of mixed martial arts last week: New York, long the last major hold-out against MMA, had finally legalized the sport. Just how does that relate to CM Punk? Well, he may be looking to feature as one of the first fighters to legally have a bout in the state. The legalization move comes after years of legal squabbling and posturing in the State Assembly, and the actions, mainly, of one man, Sheldon Silver, Speaker of the Assembly and now a convicted felon. Silver was vehemently against legalizing MMA due in part to lobbying by the Culinary Union in Las Vegas, who are at odds with the UFC's ownership group, Zuffa, over their hotel operations in Vegas, which exclude the union. Silver continually blocked any MMA legalization efforts in New York up until his arrest in early 2015 on Federal Corruption charges stemming from payments made to him by a real estate firm, an outfit that was seeking a reduction in real estate taxes in New York City. Sheldon was convicted late last year, which paved the way for an automatic expulsion from the Assembly. It also led to a vote on MMA finally being allowed in the Assembly - and legalized MMA in New York passed on a vote of 113-25. In the wake of the announcement, CM Punk, still training for his eventual UFC debut, posted the following: https://twitter.com/CMPunk/status/712409168699793408 It should be noted that Punk, along with the WWE, has sold out the legendary Madison Square Garden in New York City in the past. Earlier this year, the UFC was targeting a Spring show for MSG, but had to push plans back when the MMA vote was held up yet again - but now that the issue is resolved, they've suggested that two events could be held in the state in 2016. Is Punk, last seen hanging out with former UFC champ Forrest Griffin, just expressing some wishful thinking, or is he serious about fighting in New York? At this point, it seems to be either that or UFC 200 for Punk. The UFC can't waste any more time with their investment in Phil Brooks, which has begun to look questionable following delay after delay in his debut. He has the name value, however, to garner even more attention for an event that will already be big, so booking him for New York would certainly be a smart move. Check out Punk training below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZMEBe64tCg